ZenaDrone plans first U.S. defense demo as Blue UAS work advances

ZenaTech says its ZenaDrone unit is preparing its first confirmed demonstration for a U.S. government defense agency, starting with the IQ Nano indoor drone. The move comes as the company pushes three platforms through Blue UAS certification, a key gate for future Pentagon procurement.

Why it matters: - ZenaTech is trying to move ZenaDrone from testing into live defense use. - A successful demo could help the company compete for pilot programs and procurement opportunities with the Department of Defense and other agencies. - Blue UAS certification is a required step for inclusion on the Defense Innovation Unit’s approved products list for U.S. government procurement.

What happened: - ZenaTech said its U.S.-based subsidiary, ZenaDrone, is planning technology demonstrations with U.S. government defense agencies. - The first confirmed agency demonstration will center on the IQ Nano indoor drone. - CEO Shaun Passley said the company is moving the platform from the lab and test range into the hands of end users. - ZenaTech disclosed the news on July 23, 2026.

The details: - The planned demonstrations will include three lead platforms: the ZenaDrone 1000, the IQ Nano and the IQ Square. - The ZenaDrone 1000 is a medium-sized VTOL drone built for ISR and specialized cargo transport, including field logistics and ship-to-ship delivery of medical supplies. - The IQ Nano is designed for automated inventory management inside armories and supply depots. - The IQ Square is designed for outdoor line-of-sight inspections. - These platforms are moving from internal testing and validation into live capability demonstrations for defense stakeholders. - ZenaTech said the demonstrations are being planned and scheduled over the coming months. - The company is also moving through Blue UAS certification, with cyber testing slated for this summer across three ZenaDrone platforms. - ZenaDrone’s broader portfolio also includes the IQ Quad for land surveying, the IQ Aqua for underwater mine detection at the prototype stage, and counter-UAS systems including the ZenaDrone 2000 interceptor drone, the IQ Glide marine launch and refueling station, and the Interceptor P-1 one-way interceptor drone. - The company said its defense and government manufacturing footprint includes facilities in Arizona, Dubai and Taiwan. - ZenaTech said it is working to set up a fourth manufacturing and testing operation in Ukraine. - The company identified itself as a B2i Digital Featured Company and linked to the company’s profile.

Between the lines: - The first demo request suggests ZenaDrone is entering the customer-validation phase rather than only internal development. - Blue UAS progress matters because certification can unlock a path toward government purchasing. - The company is pairing product demos with manufacturing expansion, signaling that ZenaTech wants to present both technical readiness and supply-chain readiness. - The press release mixes current product readiness with forward-looking plans, so the most important near-term proof point is whether the demos lead to repeat agency interest.

What's next: - ZenaTech expects to schedule additional demonstrations with defense agencies over the coming months. - Cyber testing this summer will be a key milestone in the Blue UAS process. - Future outcomes could include pilot programs, procurement consideration or broader agency engagement if the demonstrations go well.

The bottom line: - ZenaTech is pushing ZenaDrone toward its first real U.S. government defense trials, with certification work and live demos now advancing in parallel.