NOBLE has announced a new distribution partnership with DefendEye, a company that makes what it describes as the world’s first instant-launch, fully autonomous AI search drone for military, government and first responders. The deal is intended to deliver rapid, easy-to-use aerial intelligence for emergency and security missions while DefendEye shifts its production operations to the United States to achieve NDAA compliance, including domestic manufacturing of critical components such as circuit board assemblies.
DefendEye’s fully autonomous, U.S.-made AI drone is described as requiring no piloting skills, with a purpose-built design for first responders and military users. According to the announcement, the aircraft is tube-launched, fully autonomous, can be deployed in under 10 seconds and uses onboard AI to detect and track subjects, providing situational awareness in high-stress, time-sensitive environments.
As part of the agreement, NOBLE will develop training and mission-specific kits aimed at first responders, government agencies and critical infrastructure security teams. The goal is to help customers move from procurement to deployment with streamlined onboarding, training and support, rather than leaving agencies to integrate new hardware and procedures on their own.
“We are proud to offer innovative solutions to the law enforcement, security, and defense sectors,” said Tom Noble, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of NOBLE. “DefendEye’s solution enables instant drone deployment with minimal training. Additionally, this solution is economically accessible, allowing even mid-sized and smaller organizations to deploy advanced aerial capabilities.”
“We are excited to partner with NOBLE,” said James Buchheim, CEO of DefendEye. “NOBLE’s infrastructure and expertise help us deliver our technology with the highest standards of readiness and support.”
NOBLE plans to use its government support and procurement capabilities to help agencies acquire and field DefendEye systems as complete, mission-aligned packages. That includes configurable drone kits for specific use cases and training from subject matter experts with operational experience.
DefendEye designs and manufactures tube-launched autonomous aerial systems that focus on rapid situational awareness for teams operating in time-critical environments. Headquartered in Kraków, Poland, the company says its flagship platform combines onboard AI and cloud connectivity to support fast deployment and real-time video without the complexity of traditional piloting.
The company highlights what it calls total vertical integration, stating that it is among the few drone makers that design and manufacture their own critical components in-house, including Flight Controllers, Cameras, Motors and GPS units. Under the heading of uncompromised security, DefendEye reports that it has restructured to ensure zero foreign influence in order to work fully with the U.S. Department of Defense. More than 65% of its shareholders are U.S. citizens, and all employees and remaining stakeholders are screened for ties to adversarial entities. The company describes this as true DoD readiness, enabling DefendEye USA to operate as a thoroughly American company that meets strict security requirements.
NOBLE positions itself as a leader in global sustainment and operations support for the U.S. military and civilian government, with a supply chain that includes more than 15,000 suppliers and millions of products. Its catalog spans six domains: aerospace, C5ISR, CBRNE, expeditionary, MRO and tactical. With fulfillment centers and operations across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, NOBLE says it can rapidly deploy both routine and emergency orders, including into high-risk regions.
The company frames its offerings as a response to growing global concerns such as terrorism, war and climate change. It provides solutions to assess, counter and neutralize emerging threats, and says it simplifies acquisition through 150 contract vehicles while also delivering ongoing training and sustainment services so customers remain equipped for evolving challenges.
Both companies direct interested agencies and organizations to their websites for more information about the new distribution relationship and the DefendEye system.