Axon [AXON] on Tuesday said it has agreed to acquire counter-drone and airspace security company Dedrone, adding a new capability to the public safety technology company’s product roadmap.
Terms of the deal, which is expected to close in the second half of 2024, were not disclosed.
Dedrone radio frequency-based counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) solutions are being used by Ukrainian forces in their war against Russia, and are deployed worldwide at more than 800 sites, including airports and stadiums, and with U.S. and international governments. The Washington, D.C.-based company recently received SAFETY Act Designation status from the Department of Homeland Security, making it the first counter-drone company to receive limited liability protections provided under the act.
Axon is known for its TASER less-lethal weapons used by law enforcement personnel. The Arizona-based company sees Dedrone’s technologies as important to expanding the authorized use of drones by first responders to enhance situational awareness and improve response planning.
“By combining Axon’s 30-year legacy of innovation with Dedrone’s cutting-edge airspace security solutions, we aim to revolutionize public safety once again,” Rick Smith, founder and CEO of Axon, said in a statement. “Together, we will accelerate our efforts in creating a more advanced end-to-end drone solution that enables the good drones to fly and helps ensure the bad ones don’t.”
Dedrone’s financial adviser on the deal is Tidal Partners
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Axon expects to generate about $2 billion in sales this year.