ZenaTech, has announced plans to revive and accelerate development of a counter-UAS capability, to be integrated into its ZenaDrone 1000 drone platform. The move follows the June 6, 2025 release of a White House Executive Order aimed at securing U.S. airspace from drone-related threats.
The initiative will see the company file a new patent and begin work on adapting its drone platform for real-time drone detection and mitigation operations. According to the company, the counter-UAS technology was initially designed in 2024 but placed on hold as resources were diverted to other commercial and defense applications.
ZenaTech’s renewed focus stems from the policy guidance issued under the Executive Order titled “Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty.” The order directs federal agencies to accelerate adoption of drone defense technologies and standardize airspace security practices across the country. It also outlines new incentives for domestically produced counter-UAS solutions.
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“We developed our Counter-UAS system with future threats in mind, and the Executive Order has made it clear that the time to act is now,” said Dr. Shaun Passley, CEO of ZenaTech.
The ZenaDrone 1000 is a large rotary-wing octocopter drone designed for surveillance, inspection and military operations. It can carry payloads of up to 88 pounds and fly for roughly an hour before requiring recharge at a docking station. The platform is already compatible with multiple sensor payloads including thermal imaging, LiDAR and multispectral cameras.
According to ZenaTech, the updated drone will feature new autonomous counter-drone capabilities, including real-time threat detection and neutralization. The company did not specify what mitigation technologies will be used, such as jamming, interception or kinetic defeat, but emphasized the integration of AI to support autonomous decision-making.
Response to executive orders
The June 6 Executive Order was one of two major policy actions by the Trump Administration, both aimed at regulating commercial drone use and improving national defenses against aerial threats. It also expands federal guidance to support critical infrastructure owners and calls for increased investment in law enforcement and defense use of counter-drone technology.
Although ZenaTech’s press release highlights the urgency and market opportunity presented by the Executive Order, the counter-UAS space remains highly competitive, with multiple defense primes and startups already fielding kinetic, electronic and software-based drone defeat systems.
ZenaTech said it would expand its engineering and defense teams “immediately” to fast-track research and development. The company aims to position the enhanced ZenaDrone 1000 as a multipurpose defense and homeland security platform capable of operating in contested airspace.
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Post Image Credit: ZenaTech
