AIRO (The AIRO Group)
AIRO Group Holdings is an integrated aerospace and defense company delivering autonomous ISR drones (RQ-35 Heidrun, RQ-70 Dainn), hybrid-electric heavy-lift VTOLs, AI-driven avionics, and military training to U.S. and allied defense customers via operations in the U.S., Canada, and Denmark.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What AIRO (The AIRO Group) does
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AIRO) is a vertically integrated aerospace and defense company that delivers autonomous uncrewed air systems, AI-driven avionics and mission electronics, and mission-ready training through four operating segments (Drones, Avionics, Training, and Electric Air Mobility) operating across the United States, Canada, and Denmark. The company's technology stack includes the combat-proven RQ-35 Heidrun mini-UAS (deployed by NATO and the Armed Forces of Ukraine with 500+ missions per system), the forthcoming RQ-70 Dainn long-range ISR drone with GNSS-denied autonomy (8-hour endurance, 100+ km range, production targeted January 2027), the JC250/JX250 hybrid-electric heavy-lift VTOL (150 kg payload, 320+ km range) using slowed-rotor architecture, and the Aspen Avionics portfolio of TSO-certified Evolution glass-cockpit displays and NexNav GPS-SBAS receivers. AIRO's wholly owned subsidiaries include Aspen Avionics (Albuquerque, NM), Sky-Watch A/S (St\u00f8vring, Denmark), AIRO Drone, Coastal Defense Inc. (Mill Hall, PA), and Jaunt Air Mobility (Montreal).
The company monetizes through drone hardware sales (RQ-35/RQ-70 platforms supported by a $150M+ backlog and NDAA-compliant Phoenix and Danish manufacturing), military training services via Coastal Defense (e.g., a $1.9M U.S. Navy IDIQ for Flight and JTAC training), certified avionics hardware sales through Aspen's authorized dealer network and OEM integrations (Joby Aviation, PAL-V Liberty), and previously through Jaunt Journey eVTOL LOIs (Vertiko, MintAir, Redwings, Flapper). Distribution combines direct enterprise/government sales, an authorized avionics dealer channel, OEM embedded supply, transatlantic joint ventures (AIRO Nord-Drone, AIRO-Bullet), and exclusive regional AAM operator partnerships. Following its June 2025 IPO at $10/share ($60M raised) and a September 2025 upsized follow-on ($89.4M), AIRO pivoted in March 2026 away from its electric air taxi business toward defense-focused ISR and medium-lift cargo drones, expanding into Denmark with a 390,000 sq ft industrial plot in Rebild Municipality. FY2025 revenue was $90.9M against a $4.1M net loss, and Q1 2026 revenue of $8.9M missed consensus by $7.69M, with two securities-firm investigations opened in the wake of the air-taxi abandonment.
AIRO (The AIRO Group) firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- AIRO (The AIRO Group)
- Legal name
- AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.
- Website
- https://theairogroup.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Ipo
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- AIRO Group Holdings is an integrated aerospace and defense company delivering autonomous ISR drones (RQ-35 Heidrun, RQ-70 Dainn), hybrid-electric heavy-lift VTOLs, AI-driven avionics, and military training to U.S. and allied defense customers via operations in the U.S., Canada, and Denmark.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
AIRO (The AIRO Group) industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Unmanned Aerial Systems and Aerospace Defense
- NAICS
- Aircraft Manufacturing (336411), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)
- SIC
- Aircraft & Parts (3720), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Autonomy Software, AI & Mission Management (UAS/UXV) (IMABAIAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Business & General Aviation Aircraft Manufacturing (IMABAAAC), Autonomous Flight Control & Guidance Systems (UAS/Urban Air Mobility) (IMABAFAO), Aerial Robotics (Drones & UAV Autonomy) (HDAAAIAG)
Keywords
Where AIRO (The AIRO Group) is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices10 records
Markets served
AIRO (The AIRO Group) business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Drone Hardware Sales: Sale of unmanned ISR and defense systems including the RQ-35 Heidrun, RQ-70 Dainn, and forthcoming JC250/JX250 platforms. Q1 2026 revenue of $8.9M was primarily driven by drone platform demand, with a $150M drone backlog providing near-term revenue visibility. NDAA-compliant U.S. and Danish manufacturing infrastructure supports both domestic and allied sales.
- Military Training Services: Specialized professional training services delivered through subsidiary Coastal Defense Inc., including adversary air, close air support, JTAC training, and aviation consulting. One-year IDIQ contracts such as the $1.9M U.S. Navy Flight and JTAC training award.
- Avionics Product Sales: Sale of Aspen Avionics certified avionics including Evolution EFD1000 Pro MAX PFD, Evolution E5 EFI, MFD500/1000 MAX MFDs, and NexNav GPS-SBAS receivers through authorized dealers and OEM channels such as Joby Aviation eVTOLs and PAL-V Liberty gyroplanes. Pricing examples include E5 at $4,995 and Pro MAX trade-in at $4,495.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Aspen Evolution E5 EFI — entry-level primary flight display |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Aspen Evolution Pro MAX trade-in upgrade |
| Other | Multi-year contract | U.S. Navy Flight & JTAC Training — IDIQ contract |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Jaunt Journey eVTOL unit pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
AIRO (The AIRO Group) product offering
Product offeringCore offering
AIRO Group Holdings is a publicly traded aerospace and defense holding company that designs, manufactures, and sells autonomous unmanned aircraft systems (RQ-35 Heidrun mini-UAS, RQ-70 Dainn long-range ISR drone, JC250/JX250 hybrid-electric VTOL), certified general aviation avionics (Aspen Evolution glass cockpit displays and NexNav GPS receivers), and mission-ready military flight training services through four operating segments: Drones, Avionics, Training, and Electric Air Mobility. The company integrates proprietary AI-driven autonomy, patented Slowed Rotor Compound propulsion, and combat-validated drone technology into a vertically connected aerospace ecosystem for military, government, and commercial customers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Aspen Avionics: Advanced avionics division - certified flight displays and avionics for general aviation and eVTOL/UAM markets.
- Sky-Watch
- Jaunt Air Mobility
- Coastal Defense
- AIRO Drone
- Airgility
- Agile Defense
- VRCO
Products and services
- RQ-70 Dainn Long-Range ISR Drone Long-range unmanned aircraft system designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions beyond the tactical frontline. Features up to 8 hours of endurance, 100+ km (62+ mile) operational range, AI capabilities for GNSS-denied operation, and modular payload architecture. Built on more than four years of operational experience from the RQ-35 platform deployed in Ukraine.
- RQ-35 Heidrun Mini-UAS ISR Drone Mini-UAS ISR drone operated by the Sky-Watch division. Granted EU and European-wide operational authorization for BVLOS deployment by the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority. Each RQ-35 system has completed over 500 missions with tens of thousands of real-world battlefield sorties; trusted by NATO forces and actively deployed by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Operates in GNSS/GPS-denied environments with autonomous fire-and-forget operation.
- JC250 / JX250 Hybrid-Electric VTOL Aircraft Heavy-lift, hybrid-electric VTOL autonomous aircraft developed under the Jaunt Air Mobility brand. Offered in two configurations: JC250 for middle-mile logistics (cargo variant) and JX250 for ISR missions. Features slowed-rotor architecture, hybrid-electric propulsion, 320+ km range, 150 kg payload capacity, and 14–18 hours of endurance (ISR variant can stretch up to 1,000 nautical miles). Developed and manufactured in Canada.
- Drone Manager Software Platform Software platform for managing AIRO's drone fleet operations, mission planning, deployment, and execution across the autonomous air systems fleet.
- Aspen Avionics Evolution E5 EFI Low-cost, highly capable primary flight display consolidating attitude indicator plus HSI into a single display with a rechargeable backup battery. Certified as a TSO'd Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) with full HSI, optional advanced features ($495) including true airspeed, outside air temperature, wind direction and speed, and WAAS GPS mode annunciations. Priced at $4,995.
- Aspen Evolution EFD1000 Pro MAX Primary Flight Display Primary Flight Display with FAA-approved changes allowing owners to remove backup attitude indicator and vacuum system when installed with the latest software and extended duration battery. Includes GPSS, air data computer, ADAHRS, and synthetic vision at no cost. Patented form-fit design slides into existing 3-1/4" panel cutouts. Interfaces with Garmin GFC600, Trio, Bendix/King AeroCruze, and 50+ analog/digital autopilots.
- Aspen Avionics NexNav Mini GPS-SBAS Receiver GPS-SBAS receiver selected by Joby Aviation for supply into Joby Aviation's eVTOL aircraft and used by OEMs and general aviation customers for FAA NextGen-compliant GPS navigation.
- Military Flight and JTAC Training Services (Coastal Defense Inc.) Specialized military training services delivered through subsidiary Coastal Defense Inc., including adversary air, close air support, JTAC training, and aviation consulting. Customers include the U.S. Navy, DoD, DHS, FBI, and FEMA.
Companies that use AIRO (The AIRO Group)
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
AIRO (The AIRO Group) technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration9 records
AI capability10 records
Feature6 records
AIRO (The AIRO Group) partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship / core, core and minor.
- Nord Drone Group, LLC (NDG)flagship / coreAIRO Drone, LLC (AIRO subsidiary) and Nord-Drone LLC executed a definitive agreement to create AIRO Nord-Drone, LLC, a 50/50 transatlantic defense joint venture combining AIRO's U.S.-based manufacturing and procurement expertise with NDG's combat-proven drone technology and European production capacity (~4,000 drones/month including FPV strike units, loitering munitions, and multi-role bombers such as NORD-10 and NORD-15).
- Thales CanadacoreCollaboration with Thales Canada, Vertiko Mobilité Inc., and Jaunt Air Mobility Canada on the MACADA (MAturity of Collaborative Avoidance Development Approach) initiative to mature air collision avoidance systems for eVTOL and UAVs, advancing the INSAT program across connectivity, navigation planning, information sharing, and operational predictability.
- Vertiko Mobilité Inc.corePartner in the MACADA initiative alongside Thales Canada and Jaunt Air Mobility Canada; previously signed LOI for 71 Jaunt Journey eVTOL aircraft to build a vertiport network across Québec.
- Bullet (Degree-Trans LLC)flagship / coreAIRO Group Holdings and Bullet signed a Letter of Intent to establish a 50/50 joint venture to produce and deploy Bullet's combat-proven fixed-wing UAV interceptor technology (up to 300 mph, 200 km range, 2.5–9 kg payload) across the United States, NATO defense markets, and Ukraine, with definitive agreements expected within 60 days.
- Joby AviationcoreAspen Avionics selected by Joby Aviation to supply NexNav Mini GPS-SBAS Receiver for Joby's eVTOL aircraft.
- Redwings S.A. De C.V.coreSigned nonbinding Letter of Intent to purchase 10 Jaunt Journey eVTOL aircraft with an option for 10 additional units, launching urban air taxi service in Mexico beginning with Mexico City.
- Garmin, Genesys, Avidyne, Trio Avionics, Bendix/King AeroCruzecoreAspen Avionics Evolution displays integrate with a wide range of analog and digital autopilots including Garmin GFC600, Genesys, Avidyne, Trio, and Bendix/King AeroCruze, enabling FAA-approved integration across general aviation platforms.
- Current Aviation, Inc.corePartnership between Current Aviation and AIRO's Training Division to provide full-spectrum commercial pilot training, leveraging AIRO multi-engine flight training into Current Aviation's curriculum to reduce time to full certification from years to months.
- MintAir Co. LTDcoreStrategic partnership with Jaunt Air Mobility to order up to 40 Jaunt Journey eVTOL aircraft as MintAir's exclusive Advanced Air Mobility partner for the Republic of Korea.
- Vertiko MobilitycoreQuébec-based AAM operator signed LOI to purchase 71 Jaunt Journey eVTOLs to build a network of vertiports across Québec and large-city networks.
- L&T Technology ServicescoreJaunt Air Mobility partnering with L&T Technology Services for end-to-end engineering support in structural design analysis and certification for the Advanced Air Mobility program.
- AvportsminorAvports signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Jaunt Air Mobility to join the Access Skyways infrastructure alliance supporting integration of all-electric air taxis with airport operations.
- Flapper Tecnologia, S.A.coreSigned Letter of Intent with Jaunt Air Mobility to purchase Jaunt Journey eVTOL aircraft for on-demand air taxi service in Latin American markets.
- Jaunt Air Mobilityflagship / coreJaunt Air Mobility entered into a definitive agreement to merge with the AIRO Group at NBAA 2021, bringing patented Slowed Rotor Compound (SRC) eVTOL technology and the Jaunt Journey aircraft program as the foundation of AIRO's Electric Air Mobility division.
- Stantec GenerationAVcoreStrategic alliance between The AIRO Group and Stantec GenerationAV (the AV consulting arm of global design firm Stantec) to advance UAS aerial and autonomous platform solutions globally, combining AIRO's AI-driven autonomous vehicle data collection, sensing, and surveillance with Stantec's deployment planning and operations experience.
- PAL-VcoreAspen Avionics Evolution 1000 Primary Flight Display selected by PAL-V as 'display of choice' for the Liberty roadable gyroplane, with EASA certification basis finalized including the Evolution 1000 PFD installation.
- Coastal Defense Incorporatedflagship / coreCoastal Defense Incorporated entered into an agreement in principle to join the AIRO Group of Aerospace Companies, bringing threat assessment, special missions training, and commercial close air support expertise; the company is now a wholly owned subsidiary and the foundation of AIRO's Training Division.
- Aspen Avionicsflagship / coreAspen Avionics entered into an agreement in principle to become a member of the AIRO Group under Project Jupiter; Aspen continues to operate as the Advanced Avionics division and a recognized global brand of AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.
- Airgility, AIRO Drone, AgileDefense, Sky-Watch, VRCOflagship / coreFounding AIRO Group companies brought together under Project Jupiter: Airgility (UAS developer), AIRO Drone, AgileDefense, Sky-Watch (RQ-35 Heidrun producer, Denmark), VRCO (UAM developer), Coastal Defense, and Aspen Avionics — six mergers completed July 2022 to align AIRO into four divisions.
Scale indicators14 records
Recent moves12 records
Expansion highlights6 records
AIRO (The AIRO Group) competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions: Public defense company (NASDAQ: KTOS) producing tactical UAS, target drones, and jet-powered unmanned systems for U.S. DoD and allied customers. Directly comparable to AIRO's drone segment given overlapping ISR/strike drone offerings (e.g., Kratos' XQ-58 Valkyrie vs. AIRO's RQ-70 Dainn) and similar mid-cap defense-customer base.
- AeroVironment: Public small-UAS specialist (NASDAQ: AVAV) and the leading U.S. small/micro drone supplier to DoD (Switchblade loitering munitions, Puma, Raven). Closest direct comparable to AIRO's Sky-Watch RQ-35 Heidrun mini-UAS business, particularly given combat-proven battlefield track records.
- Teal Drones (Red Cat Holdings): Public small-UAS defense drone maker (NASDAQ: RCAT) producing Teal 2 and other NDAA-compliant drones for U.S. Army Short-Range Reconnaissance. Comparable to AIRO's Sky-Watch/RQ-35 mini-UAS business as a small-cap U.S. drone competitor also pursuing Blue UAS certification.
Emerging players
- Anduril Industries: Privately held defense technology company building autonomous air systems (Roadrunner, Ghost Shark), AI-driven mission software, and counter-UAS capabilities. Comparable to AIRO as a newer-generation, AI-first defense player pursuing similar DoD/NATO contracts and pursuing a defense-tech equivalent of the vertically integrated ecosystem AIRO is assembling.
- Shield AI: Defense AI/autonomy company producing the V-BAT vertical take-off ISR drone and Hivemind autonomy software. Directly comparable to AIRO on the AI-enabled autonomous ISR drone axis and on GNSS-denied navigation capability claims; emerging as a private-market rival with similar DoD customer set.
- Skydio: U.S.-based autonomous drone maker focused on short-range ISR and reconnaissance for defense/public safety. Comparable to AIRO's smaller-drone business and in competing for BVLOS and government contracts; differentiates on autonomy software and NDAA-compliant supply chain.
Others
- Joby Aviation: Public eVTOL developer (NYSE: JOBY) and current AIRO/Aspen Avionics OEM customer (NexNav Mini GPS-SBAS). Comparable as a former eVTOL competitor (since AIRO abandoned the air taxi business in March 2026) and as a strategic partner validating Aspen's avionics franchise.
Broad incumbents
- Garmin: Public avionics incumbent (NYSE: GRMN) and integration partner of Aspen Evolution displays (GFC600 autopilot integration). Comparable as a broad general aviation avionics incumbent against AIRO's Aspen Avionics division, with overlapping certified display, GPS, and autopilot product lines.
- Honeywell Aerospace: Diversified aerospace and defense incumbent (NYSE: HON) supplying avionics, propulsion, and UAV components. Comparable to AIRO across both the avionics and defense drone segments as a broad-based incumbent with substantially larger scale.
- L3Harris Technologies: Major defense prime (NYSE: LHX) producing tactical radios, ISR systems, and unmanned platforms for DoD and allies. Comparable to AIRO on the military ISR/training/services axis and on the GNSS-denied/electronic warfare adjacency, with broader scope across large defense programs.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
AIRO (The AIRO Group) social profiles
Digital presenceAIRO (The AIRO Group) compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
AIRO (The AIRO Group) financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
AIRO (The AIRO Group) leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
AIRO (The AIRO Group) subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries10 records
AIRO (The AIRO Group) funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
AIRO (The AIRO Group) M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A2 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about AIRO (The AIRO Group)
What does AIRO (The AIRO Group) do?
AIRO Group Holdings is a publicly traded aerospace and defense holding company that designs, manufactures, and sells autonomous unmanned aircraft systems (RQ-35 Heidrun mini-UAS, RQ-70 Dainn long-range ISR drone, JC250/JX250 hybrid-electric VTOL), certified general aviation avionics (Aspen Evolution glass cockpit displays and NexNav GPS receivers), and mission-ready military flight training services through four operating segments: Drones, Avionics, Training, and Electric Air Mobility. The company integrates proprietary AI-driven autonomy, patented Slowed Rotor Compound propulsion, and combat-validated drone technology into a vertically connected aerospace ecosystem for military, government, and commercial customers.
Is AIRO (The AIRO Group) a public or private company?
AIRO (The AIRO Group) is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently ipo.
When was AIRO (The AIRO Group) founded?
AIRO (The AIRO Group) was founded in 2020. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is AIRO (The AIRO Group) based?
AIRO (The AIRO Group) is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does AIRO (The AIRO Group) make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Drone Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are military Training Services and avionics Product Sales.
Who are AIRO (The AIRO Group)'s main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, AeroVironment and Teal Drones (Red Cat Holdings). Emerging players are Anduril Industries, Shield AI and Skydio. Joby Aviation is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are Garmin, Honeywell Aerospace and L3Harris Technologies.
Does AIRO (The AIRO Group) have an API?
No public API is recorded for AIRO (The AIRO Group).
What industry is AIRO (The AIRO Group) in?
AIRO (The AIRO Group)'s product category is Unmanned Aerial Systems and Aerospace Defense. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAIAH, Autonomy Software, AI & Mission Management (UAS/UXV), with a secondary code of IMABAAAC, Business & General Aviation Aircraft Manufacturing. Its NAICS code is 336411 and its SIC code is 3720.