Company President Bill Irby Promoted to CEO Effective April 15, 2024
WICHITA, Kan., April 18, 2024 — AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) a leading provider of best-in-class unmanned aerial systems (UAS), sensors and software solutions for customers worldwide in the commercial and government verticals, today announces the Company’s recent eBee VISION UAS showcase events conducted in collaboration with various trusted partners across the globe.
The Company showcased the eBee VISION UAS for the following government and military entities.
Bill Irby, recently promoted CEO of AgEagle, commented, “We are grateful for such high caliber opportunities to exhibit our trailblazing eBee VISION product, where we’re demonstrating the execution of our defense and security strategy. Events of this nature help AgEagle further solidify its competitive differentiation and value proposition while shaping new relationships with potential customers and strategic counterparts. As we continue to grow our sales pipeline, we remain committed to building revenue growth and long-term shareholder value.”
About AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc.
Through its three centers of excellence, AgEagle is actively engaged in designing and delivering best-in-class flight hardware, sensors and software that solve important problems for its customers. Founded in 2010, AgEagle was originally formed to pioneer proprietary, professional-grade, fixed-winged drones and aerial imagery-based data collection and analytics solutions for the agriculture industry. Today, AgEagle is a leading provider of full stack UAS, sensors and software solutions for customers worldwide in the energy, construction, agriculture, and government verticals. For additional information, please visit our website at www.ageagle.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect our business, operating results, financial condition, and stock price. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from management’s current expectations include those risks and uncertainties relating to our competitive position, the industry environment, potential growth opportunities, and the effects of regulation and events outside of our control, such as natural disasters, wars, or health epidemics. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.
AgEagle Aerial Systems Contacts
Investor Relations: Email: UAVS@ageagle.com
Media: Email: media@ageagle.com
WICHITA, Kan., March 20, 2024 — AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE American: UAVS) (“AgEagle” or the “Company”), a leading provider of best-in-class full stack drone, sensors and software solutions for customers worldwide in the commercial and government verticals, today announces that ALVO, its exclusive Value Added Reseller (“VAR”) serving public and private companies and organizations in Greece, has been awarded a tender including drones and sensor payloads by the Hellenic Republic Ministry of Rural Development and Food in Greece (“Greek Ministry of Agriculture”). The tender includes the purchase of 50 RedEdge-P™ multispectral cameras from AgEagle.
Headquartered in Athens, Greece, ALVO offers integrated vertical solutions based on emerging technologies, including software, equipment and services. By combining the right high-end tools to transform any complicated process into a simple, smart and efficient one, ALVO supports the needs of companies and organizations that invest in innovation, smart technologies and IoT, security and cyber security. The tender provides for the purchase, delivery and deployment of 50 multirotor unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”) equipped with 50 RedEdge-P sensors, which will be used for optimum monitoring of agricultural activity such as soil analysis, irrigation, crop quality/maturity, vegetation indices and disaster estimations.
Dimitris Messinezis, Founder and CEO of ALVO in Greece stated, “Delivering an agritech project of this scale intact requires a significant coordinated effort. We are confident AgEagle will support us through every stage with the delivery and deployment of the RedEdge-P multispectral sensors to ensure our end users receive a seamless experience.”
Introduced to market in late 2021, the RedEdge-P is AgEagle’s rugged, high quality multispectral sensor with a high-resolution panchromatic band for pan-sharpened output resolutions of 2cm (at 60m). It is a single camera solution that captures calibrated high-resolution multispectral and RGB imagery, with an optimized field of view and capture rate for efficient drone flights. The universal popularity of the RedEdge-P is largely due to its ability to enable pixel-aligned outputs at previously unattainable resolutions while consistently maintaining optimal efficiency and reliability – benefits which have earned the RedEdge brand its trusted reputation over the past decade. The high performance RedEdge-P was designed specifically for agricultural applications that include plant counting, phenotyping, plant health mapping, fertilizer management, plant disease identification, species differentiation and weed detection, among other proven uses.
Bill Irby, AgEagle’s President, commented, “Over the past year, AgEagle has focused on leveraging our partner/reseller network through enhanced training and marketing support initiatives to optimize the reach, industry expertise and influence that our resellers yield in the geographic regions and market segments they serve. As a result, we are seeing a groundswell of sizable new commercial and government tenders being pursued and won which we expect will have measurable impact on our quarter-over-quarter revenue growth for the foreseeable future.”
Through its three centers of excellence, AgEagle is actively engaged in designing and delivering best-in-class flight hardware, sensors and software that solve important problems for its customers. Founded in 2010, AgEagle was originally formed to pioneer proprietary, professional-grade, fixed-winged drones and aerial imagery-based data collection and analytics solutions for the agriculture industry. Today, AgEagle is a leading provider of full stack drone solutions for customers worldwide in the energy, construction, agriculture, and government verticals. For additional information, please visit our website at www.ageagle.com.
AgEagle Aerial Systems Contacts:
Investor Relations:Gateway Investor RelationsMatt Glover or Cody CreePhone: 949-574-3860Email: UAVS@gatewayIR.com
Chairman Begley outlines AgEagle’s value story and vision for building long-term shareholder growth
WICHITA (Kan.), March 13, 2024 — AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) a leading provider of best-in-class full stack drone, sensors and software solutions for customers worldwide in the commercial and government verticals, today announced a letter to shareholders from Chairman Grant Begley.
Dear AgEagle Shareholders:
I want to begin by thanking you, our shareholders, for your ongoing support as we continue to expand our market footprint and focus on building sustainable long-term shareholder value.
As AgEagle’s Chairman of the Board of Directors since October 2023 and Interim CEO since January 1, 2024, I have been privileged to engage with AgEagle’s superb professionals, resulting in my objective assessment of AgEagle’s excellent future potential that I share with you now.
Sharing AgEagle’s past is foundational to understanding AgEagle’s value of today and future potential.
I first met AgEagle’s founder in 2010 at the world’s largest drone conference, AUVSI’s North America. Since then, AgEagle has evolved from a Privately Held company offering simple fix-winged drones constructed in the founder’s barn in Kansas for sale to his fellow farmers. Those heritage drones provided agricultural support, ultimately proving to be foundational to the company name AgEagle.
Today, AgEagle is proud to offer best-in-class products; eBee X, eBee TAC, and newly available eBee VISION. AgEagle’s eBee family of drones are a globally recognized brand, now used for missions that include Agriculture, Construction, Defense, Environmental Monitoring, Conservation, Forestry, Mining, Quarries, Public Safety, Research and Education, Surveying, Mapping, Geographic Information Systems, Utilities Engineering, Security, and Military Operations.
AgEagle has transformed from being a local single market segment (agriculture) provider to provide global compelling drone capabilities in over a dozen market segments.
Former agricultural-focused AgEagle has emerged as an agile AgEagle. Your AgEagle of today is now providing, Worldwide, the proprietary line of eBee-branded high performance, fixed-wing drones for professional use.
AgEagle’s market is expanding with the recent introduction of eBee VISION. The eBee VISION is designed to provide defense and security capabilities to quickly detect, track, and geo-locate objects in collaboration with special forces. The initial five production eBee VISIONS were delivered to 5 different potential key customers last quarter, resulting in superb reviews and ongoing follow-up.
AgEagle’s eBee drones were the first ever to be US Federal Aviation Administration certified safe to fly over people and placed on the US Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit’s “Blue UAS Cleared List” for US Defense and US Government partners for future procurement opportunities.
In addition to AgEagle’s eBees, AgEagle’s Sensor Division sells the most advanced drone sensors in the world. Sensors that are integrated with AgEagle’s drones, other industry drones, and non-drone applications. These high-performance sensors are in high demand, contributing to a Q4 delivery backlog. Delivery of those backlog sensors is underway.
The following are recent AgEagle accomplishments.
Personnel: During the past 3-months, 3 new Leadership Team professionals have joined AgEagle; Mark DiSiena (CFO), Brent Pope (VP-Ops), and this month, Bill Irby (President).
These professionals have very accomplished careers and bring a wealth of differentiated and relevant skills to contribute to AgEagle’s future success. We all have one thing in common, we each share the same vision, AgEagle’s potential to significantly contribute to global security, and other missions, for the benefit of all humankind.
Sales: In February of this year we announced the procurement of a fleet of eBee X and eBee TAC drones by UT-Battelle, LLC, which manages and operates the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Additionally, the Company was awarded a contract from ADS Inc., a leading solutions provider to the Department of Defense (“DOD”), for the purchase of Altum-PT ™ multispectral cameras from AgEagle for use by the DOD customer.
Technology: AgEagle was named by Insider Monkey as a 2023 Top 20 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Company transforming the Agricultural Sector.
Your AgEagle Team has a robust Technology Roadmap for insertion of new and next-generation technology enablers into AgEagle’s drones and sensors.
Finance: AgEagle’s stock share price has traded as a micro cap for more than a year while AgEagle’s sales were flat. During 2023, current eBee customers wanting a new eBee, waited for eBee VISION market availability. Also, during 2023, AgEagle’s expenses were high in support of the development of eBee VISION.
The eBee VISION is now available and with compelling operational capabilities.
Thank you, shareholders, for your authorization to conduct the 20-to-1 reverse split that will support AgEagle’s 2024 excellent business growth and sales opportunities as well as help increase appeal to a broader range of investors to generate greater investor interest in the company.
Operations: AgEagle continues to implement standardized accounting practices and manufacturing “Best Practices” reducing cost while increasing productivity.
Within the past 2-months, AgEagle has nearly doubled its sensor production capacity with no additional personnel or equipment required.
Again, I am pleased to provide you with this shareholder update and I thank you for your AgEagle investment. Your AgEagle Team is extremely and objectively optimistic about AgEagle’s future potential.
Sincerely,Grant Begley, Chairman of AgEagle Aerial Systems
About AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc.:
Through its three centers of excellence, AgEagle is actively engaged in designing and delivering best-in-class flight hardware, sensors and software that solve important problems for its customers. Founded in 2010, AgEagle was originally formed to pioneer proprietary, professional-grade, fixed-winged drones and aerial imagery-based data collection and analytics solutions for the agriculture industry. Today, AgEagle is a leading provider of full stack drone solutions for customers worldwide in the energy, construction, agriculture, and government verticals. For additional information, please visit our website at www.ageagle.com
AgEagle Aerial Systems Contacts:Investor Relations:Email: UAVS@ageagle.comMedia:Email: media@ageagle.com
WICHITA, Kan., March 07, 2024 — AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) a leading provider of best-in-class full stack unmanned aerial systems (UAS), sensors and software solutions for customers worldwide in the commercial and government verticals, today announces the appointment of retired U.S. Army Major General Malcolm Frost to its Board of Directors, effective March 1, 2024.
Major General Malcolm B. Frost (Ret) has 31 years of leadership experience in the U.S. Army having provided large-scale strategic and operational oversight in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Frost served as the Chief (Director) of Public Affairs where he developed and led all strategic communications plans and rollouts, national media relations initiatives, and community engagement for the Army. As Deputy Director for Operations, he led planning and operations of the U.S. Dept. of Defense and Joint Staff National Military Command Center performing worldwide monitoring, crisis action, and strategic nuclear and current operations functions. As Director of Operations, U.S. Army Pacific, he led operations, training, and development of operational war and contingency plans, theater campaign and security cooperation plans, and exercise development with other Armies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
Maj. Gen. (Ret) Frost successfully led the evolution of soldier training programs in peace and war from platoon through 2-star command and leadership level. In his last military assignment, he spearheaded the Army’s initial entry training enterprise and was responsible for annually transforming 130K civilian volunteers into soldiers who are disciplined, fit, skilled, and imbued with values. He also led the Army’s $350M holistic health and fitness revolution including the Army’s first new fitness test in 40 years. As commander of Fort Eustis, VA, he led and was responsible for all operations, training, sustainment, life support and welfare of 22K residents and workers.
Maj. Gen. (Ret) Frost has been deployed to combat several times in a variety of leadership and command positions. He deployed to Bosnia-Hercegovina as a company commander in 1995 and deployed twice to Iraq as commander of an 800-person Cavalry Squadron operating in Tal Afar during the Surge in 2006-7, and as commander of a 5K-person Stryker Brigade Combat Team operating in northern Iraq in 2010-11. Additionally, he deployed as Director of Operations of a 4K-person airborne brigade task force in Afghanistan in 2002-3.
In addition to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resources Management from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Maj. Gen. (Ret) Frost holds advanced degrees from Webster University and the U.S. Army War College in Human Resources Development and National Security Strategy, respectively. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal x2, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit x3, Bronze Star Medal x3, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal x6 including one for Valor, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge and Ranger Tab. He is also the recipient of the U.S. Department of State Meritorious Honor Award for reconstruction, civic and humanitarian achievements while serving in Iraq.
AgEagle’s Chairman, Grant Begley, commented, “Major General Frost brings a significant demonstrated track record of senior leadership specifically within operations technology and military defense industries to AgEagle. We believe that his strong experience and unique business perspectives will be an asset to the Company as we continue to expand our market footprint and focus on building sustainable shareholder value.”
AgEagle Aerial Systems Contacts: Investor Relations: Email: UAVS@ageagle.com
WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 23, 2024 — AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE American: UAVS) (“AgEagle” or the “Company”), an industry-leading provider of full stack flight hardware, sensors and software for commercial and government use has been awarded a contract from ADS, Inc., a leading solutions provider to the Department of Defense (“DOD”), for the purchase of Altum-PT™ multispectral cameras from AgEagle for use by the DOD customer.
The Altum-PT is among AgEagle’s most pioneering drone sensor innovations, which seamlessly integrates an ultra-high resolution panchromatic imagery, a built-in 320X256 radiometric thermal imager and five discrete spectral bands to produce synchronized outputs such as RGB color, crop vigor, heat maps and high resolution panchromatic in just one flight.
The Altum-PT Multispectral Imagery (MSI) sensor will be employed by multiple Military Occupational Specialties (MOS’s) to fill voids in geospatial information and aid in categorizing military aspects of the terrain.
Bill Irby, AgEagle President, commented, “We are very proud to support ADS in its efforts to supply the Department of Defense customer with highly advanced aerial imagery solutions capable of meeting its mission critical needs and requirements.”
About ADS, Inc. ADS, Inc. is a leading solutions provider proudly serving all branches of the U.S. Military, federal, state, and local government organizations, law enforcement, first responders, foreign governments and the defense industry. ADS is focused on solving its customer’s challenges through the largest product and service selection, the broadest array of procurement and contract options, world-class support and logistics solutions, and renowned customer service. ADS provide a single source solution that helps its customers meet their mission requirements as cost-effectively as possible, reduce their cost of readiness, and enhance their acquisition strategy. ADS equipment and support solutions include C5ISR, Combat Support, Medical, Operational Clothing and Individual Equipment, Weapons, and Optics as well as Special Missions such as CWMD, EOD, First Responders, and Maritime.
About AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. Through its three centers of excellence, AgEagle is actively engaged in designing and delivering best-in-class flight hardware, sensors and software that solve important problems for its customers. Founded in 2010, AgEagle was originally formed to pioneer proprietary, professional-grade, fixed-winged drones and aerial imagery-based data collection and analytics solutions for the agriculture industry. Today, AgEagle is a leading provider of full stack drone solutions for customers worldwide in the energy, construction, agriculture, and government verticals. For additional information, please visit our website at www.ageagle.com.
Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect our business, operating results, financial condition, and stock price. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from management’s current expectations include those risks and uncertainties relating to our competitive position, the industry environment, potential growth opportunities, and the effects of regulation and events outside of our control, such as natural disasters, wars, or health epidemics. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.
ADS, INC. Media Email: marketing@adsinc.com
AgEagle Aerial Systems Contacts: Investor Relations Email: UAVS@ageagle.com Media Email: media@ageagle.com
Established leader in the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) sector to focus on driving sustainable growth
WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 15, 2024 — AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) a leading provider of best-in-class full stack unmanned aerial systems (UAS), sensors and software solutions for customers worldwide in the commercial and government verticals, today announces the appointment of William “Bill” Irby as President, effective February 12, 2024.
AgEagle’s Chairman and Interim CEO, Grant Begley, commented, “Bill is a timely and exciting addition to AgEagle’s leadership team. His significant defense industry experience — particularly in scaling unmanned technology, product development, and business operations — will be transformative for AgEagle as we enter our next stage of growth. We believe Bill’s deep domain UAS professional successes and industry foresight will contribute as we continue to expand our market footprint and focus on building sustainable shareholder value.”
Irby, a United States Naval Academy alum, has more than 25 years of senior management experience in uncrewed air and maritime systems, actuation hardware, ISR systems, and communication systems. He served as a Vice President at Northrop Grumman, one of the world’s largest weapons manufacturers and military technology providers, generating $30 billion annually. Most recently Bill was President of MTI and Steel Partners Holdings L.P., a diversified global holding company with operations in industrial products, energy, defense, supply chain management and logistics.
An active Board member of Ghost Robotics and Chairman of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Irby also served as President of VBAT, leading the former Martin UAS business after Shield AI’s acquisition, and L3 Harris Technologies, directing the Reconnaissance Mission Systems division providing world-class complex systems development and integration, ISR capabilities, senior leader communications systems and aircraft modification services/sustainment.
He holds a Master’s degree in Technical Management from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. He also serves as a Board member of Secmation and LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions.
Irby commented, “The escalating interest from government and military agencies worldwide in AgEagle’s best-in-class eBee VISION and TAC UAS, sensors and software presents a significant inflection point for the Company. I am eager to leverage my expertise in scaling operations within the global defense and security industry to help drive long-term value for all our stakeholders.”
Investor Relations: Email: UAVS@ageagle.com Media: Email: media@ageagle.com
WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 09, 2024 — AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE American: UAVS) (the “Company”), a leading provider of full stack drone, sensors and software solutions for customers worldwide in the commercial and government verticals, today announced that, on February 8, 2024, AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (the “Company”) filed a Certificate of Amendment to its Articles of Incorporation, as amended to date, (the “Charter Amendment”) effecting a 1-for-20 reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), for the primary purpose of increasing the per share price of the Company’s Common Stock in order to maintain the listing of its Common Stock on the NYSE American. The Reverse Stock Split was previously approved by the Company’s stockholders and the Board of the Directors of the Company and became effective on February 9, 2024.
As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, every twenty (20) shares of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock were converted into one (1) share of issued and outstanding common stock. The number of authorized shares remains unchanged. The Reverse Stock Split was effected simultaneously for all of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock and the exchange ratio will be the same for all of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock. The Reverse Stock Split will affect all of the Company’s shareholders uniformly and will not affect any shareholder’s percentage ownership interests in the Company, except to the extent that the Reverse Stock Split results in any of the Company’s shareholders owning a fractional share. Each stockholder and holders of options and warrants otherwise entitled to a fractional share resulting from the Reverse Stock Split will receive such additional fractions of a share to round up to a full share. It will not be necessary for stockholders to exchange their existing stock certificates for new stock certificates in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. Stockholders who hold their shares in brokerage accounts are not required to take any action to exchange their shares. The Reverse Stock Split will have no impact on shareholders’ proportionate equity interests or voting rights in the Company or the par value of the Company’s common stock, which remains unchanged.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor will there be any sales of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. For more detailed information relating to this transaction, please refer to the related Form 8-K to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect our business, operating results, financial condition and stock price. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from management’s current expectations include those risks and uncertainties relating to our competitive position, the industry environment, potential growth opportunities, and the effects of regulation and events outside of our control, such as natural disasters, wars or health epidemics. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.
Contacts:
Investor Relations:Email: UAVS@ageagle.com
Media:Email: media@ageagle.com
Leading drone solutions chosen for operational excellence, NDAA compliance, FAA-approved Operations Over People, and Blue UAS accreditation
WICHITA (Kan.), Feb. 08, 2024 — AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) a leading provider of full stack drone, sensors and software solutions for customers worldwide in the commercial and government verticals, announces the procurement of a fleet of eBee X and eBee TAC drones by UT-Battelle, LLC, which manages and operates the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
In addition to the operational capabilities of both drones and their NDAA compliance, a crucial factor for this purchase was that the eBee TAC is approved under the Blue UAS Cleared List program for U.S. government procurement, and the eBee X is the only FAA-approved drone for Operations Over People (OOP) without the need for a waiver in the United States.
The Blue UAS Cleared List is an index of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) approved drones providing options for the evolving mission needs of government users. These drones are section 848 FY20 NDAA and section 817 FY23 NDAA compliant, validated as cyber-secure and safe to fly, and are available for government purchase and operation.
ORNL is the largest science and energy laboratory of the U.S. DOE, and it engages in diverse research activities that ensures America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and security challenges. AgEagle’s eBee drones will support the United States Department of Energy in their national security and emergency response efforts.
“We believe that the U.S. Department of Energy’s choice to utilize our eBee X and eBee TAC systems underscores the value that our U.S. Government-certified drones bring to critical areas, such as research, security and emergency response. We are honored to be a trusted partner, and this recognition further motivates us to continue providing cutting-edge, certified security solutions that make a meaningful impact,” stated Grant Begley, AgEagle’s Interim CEO.
About Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory delivers scientific discoveries and technical breakthroughs needed to realize solutions in energy and national security and provide economic benefit to the nation. Conducting world-leading research, ORNL translates science into solutions for global challenges, playing a pivotal role in America’s transition to a clean, efficient, flexible, and secure energy future. The laboratory also advances the science behind national security. Website: https://www.ornl.gov
FEDS initial purchase of eBee VISION represents a first in the Middle East
WICHITA (Kan.), Feb. 01, 2024 — AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) a leading provider of full stack drone, sensors and software solutions for customers worldwide in the commercial and government verticals, today announced the Company recently attended the UMEX 2024 Unmanned System Exhibition and Conference January 23-24, 2024 together with FEDS Drone-powered Solutions, a leading drone services and value-added distributor of AgEagle’s high performance unmanned aerial systems.
AgEagle interim CEO, Grant Begley, commented, “Opportunities to educate the public safety and security market on the unique value propositions of AgEagle’s leading edge UAS solutions are invaluable. Attending UMEX 2024 alongside FEDS, our trusted partner and customer, denotes a key milestone in the advancement of our growth strategy as their recent purchase of the eBee VISION marks our first sale in the Middle East, opening a robust new market for our drone systems. We will continue to leverage significant industry events to forge new relationships with potential customers and strategic counterparts as part of our commitment to building long-term shareholder value.”
UMEX 2024 is the only event in the Middle East dedicated to drones, robotics, components, and unmanned systems. Over 500 delegates took part in the first day conference, while over 130 exhibitors from 35 countries showcased their products in the three following days, attracting more than 30,000 visitors in total. The conference featured live demonstrations of flying, land, and naval systems.
Rabih Bou Rached, CEO of FEDS Drone-powered Solutions, commented, “At UMEX 2024, our collaboration with AgEagle spotlights a shared vision to advance public safety and security. Through the integration of the eBee VISION and eBee TAC drones, we’re offering solutions that transform how emergencies are managed and security is maintained. We’re equipping public safety and security professionals with the tools for effective oversight and response, enabling them with quicker and more informed decision-making in critical situations and enhanced response and situational awareness. Our goal is to contribute meaningfully to the sector’s evolution, ensuring safer communities through innovative unmanned technology.”
eBee VISION and eBee TAC units are lightweight fixed-wing drones, operated by one person, and deployed in 3 minutes. eBee VISION delivers HD live video insights into rapidly changing environments, even in GNSS-denied conditions, to ensure the success of professional intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. eBee TAC Public Safety is a photogrammetry drone that provides 2D, 3D and thermal aerial data over large areas enabling law enforcement, firefighters and emergency services teams to rapidly deploy from a safe distance, capture the scene and make informed decisions on coordinating resources. AgEagle will complete product training with FEDS in Dubai and the desert in Q1 2024.
About AgEagle Aerial Systems
About FEDS Drone-powered Solutions
Based in Dubai, UAE, FEDS revolutionized the Middle East’s commercial space with the introduction of Drones-as-a-service. As the leading drone service provider in the world, FEDS utilizes their DT3 (Drone Tech, Data Tech & Digital Transformation) approach to provide comprehensive drone solutions across all industries that are faster, more accurate and safer. Partnered with Aerodyne, FEDS now acts as a leader in drone and data technology at a global level serving over 35 countries.
Retired Navy Tactical Officer and UAVS Director to lead company into next chapter of growth
WICHITA (Kan.), Jan. 16, 2024 — AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) a leading provider of full stack drone, sensors and software solutions for customers worldwide in the commercial and government verticals, today announced the appointment of Company Chairman Grant Begley to Interim Chief Executive Officer position, effective January 1, 2024.
Commenting on the appointment, Begley stated, “I am honored to lead the Company marked by its deep Unmanned Aerial System (“UAS”) technology heritage. I look forward to working closely with the Board, senior leadership, and the many talented employees of AgEagle to usher a new chapter of growth for all our stakeholders. Together, we will capitalize on the growing interest from government and military agencies worldwide in AgEagle’s eBee VISION as well as increasing investments in leading UAS solutions by military and public safety organizations worldwide. I am eager to build upon the success of previous management as I leverage my industry expertise and longstanding relationships within the global defense industry to help build long-term shareholder value.”
Grant has served as a member of the Board since June 2016 and was elected Chairman in October 2023. He is an accomplished and globally recognized expert in Aerospace, Unmanned Systems and Robotics, currently serving as President of Concepts to Capabilities Consulting, LLC, a specialty consulting firm he founded in 2011 to help lead and guide development of new capabilities in Aerospace and Unmanned Aerial System (“UAS”) technologies for government/defense and commercial clients.
An active Board member of Vaya Space since 2015, Grant also served as the vortex-hybrid rocket company’s CEO from 2018 through 2022. Previous senior leadership roles have included Chief Business Development Officer and SVP of Alion Science and Technology, where he helped develop Alion’s $1 billion annual revenue Business Development Enterprise; Pentagon Senior Advisor for Unmanned Systems at the U.S. Department of Defense; Senior Director of Mission Systems Integration at Raytheon, where he led the Company’s cross-functional and cross-organizational integration of Digital Systems, Avionics, Electronics and Software operations; and Director of Advanced Concepts at Lockheed Martin, where he architected and steered development programs in the areas of UAS, Advanced Energetics and future generation weapon systems.
Retiring from the United States Navy after 26 years of service as an officer, Grant led operational assignments flying fighter aircraft, designated Top Gun, followed by assignments relating to development and management of next generation manned and unmanned aerial systems, weapon systems and joint executive acquisitions. During his distinguished military career, he also served as Director of Stealth, Counter Stealth Technology, Policy and Advance Programs; as well as and Joint and Navy Director of Tactical Aircraft, Missiles and UAS, managing and directing operations with an annual budget of $4 billion and a $30 billion future year budget plan.
Grant holds Master’s degrees in Aerospace and Aeronautic Engineering from the Naval Post-Graduate School and a Bachelor’s degree in General Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy. From March 2011 to December 2021, he served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (“AUVSI”). AUVSI is the global leader for enhancing the advancement of uncrewed, robotic and autonomous systems for the benefit of humanity, the environment and economy.
