What Skyborne Technologies does

Skyborne Technologies is a Brisbane, Australia-headquartered defense technology company (founded 2014) that develops smart aerial and ground robotic systems for military and security customers. Its core product family centers on the Cerberus MI, a man-packable Group 2 small unmanned aerial system with VTOL launch and modular kinetic and non-kinetic payloads, paired with the proprietary EXITUS AI targeting pipeline that fuses computer vision, machine learning, laser ranging, and GNSS for AI-aided target recognition. The portfolio extends to CODiAQ, an armed quadruped weapon system integrated with Ghost Robotics' Vision 60 platform; Gannet LE, an optically-guided loitering munition with swarming capability; and modular UxV weapon payloads (HAVOC 40mm and CHAOS 12GA) designed for integration onto Skyborne and third-party platforms. Underlying technology includes a proprietary tri-tilt rotor airframe design (20% more hover-efficient than comparable quadcopters) and an in-house real-time operating system and autopilot, protected in part by US Patent 12,129,011.

The company's business model is direct hardware sales of weaponized unmanned platforms and modular payloads to government defense customers, primarily through research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) contracts that drive product development and precede larger procurement awards. Major customers include USSOCOM (US$6.5M firm-fixed-price CODiAQ contract, 2026), US Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (first US DoD contract), Australian Defence Force, and UK Ministry of Defence (DASA contracts). Pricing leverages a low-cost-per-shot model using standard military inventory ammunition at approximately $100 per round versus $40,000 per shot for comparable loitering munitions, supported by re-usable, reloadable airframes. Following the August 2025 establishment of a US headquarters in Virginia, Skyborne operates a dual-entity structure with Australia as the R&D and production hub and the US entity handling sales, marketing, and US-based manufacturing for North American and European markets.

Name

Skyborne Technologies

Legal name

Skyborne Technologies Pty. Ltd.

Website

https://skybornetech.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Skyborne Technologies develops AI-enabled armed aerial and ground robotic systems, including the Cerberus MI sUAS, CODiAQ quadruped, Gannet LE loitering munition, and EXITUS AI targeting software, sold primarily to allied government defense customers (US, Australia, UK).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Robotics

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing (336415)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Aircraft (3721), Ordnance & Accessories, (No Vehicles/Guided Missiles) (3480), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Aerial Platforms (IMABAMAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autonomy Software, AI & Mission Management (UAS/UXV) (IMABAIAH), Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) & Multirotor Drones (IMABAIAA), Bombs, Depth Charges & Aerial Delivered Ordnance (IMABAHAI)

Keywords

• Defense robotics systems
• Armed unmanned aerial systems
• Loitering munition systems
• AI targeting software
• Unmanned ground vehicles

Headquarters

HQ city

Brisbane

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Defense Hardware Sales: Sale of armed UAV platforms (Cerberus MI, Cerberus GLH, Gannet LE), quadruped weapon systems (CODiAQ), and modular weapon payloads (HAVOC 40mm, CHAOS 12GA) to government and defense customers. Re-usable, re-loadable platforms with recurring payload/ammunition revenue.
2. US DoD RDT&E Contracts: US$6.5 million firm fixed price RDT&E contract for CODiAQ delivery (14 quadruped systems, 28 modular weapon payloads, 24-month sustainment). Also first US DoD contract for Cerberus feature development via US Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory. Recurring sustainment and training services.
3. International Government Contracts: Contracts from UK Ministry of Defence (via DASA), Australian Defence Force, and allied government customers for Cerberus feature development, weapon payload development, and loitering munition programs.
4. Weapon Payload Sales: Low-cost per-shot ammunition model. Cerberus MI delivers $100 per round cost using standard military inventory ammunition, versus $40,000 per shot for loitering munitions. CHAOS and HAVOC payloads sold as standalone UxV weapon systems for third-party platform integration.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Skyborne Technologies designs, manufactures and sells armed unmanned aerial and ground robotic systems plus AI targeting software to defense and security forces. Its product line centers on the Cerberus MI (modular Group 2 lethal sUAS), CODiAQ (armed quadruped), Gannet LE (loitering munition), EXITUS AI targeting software, and modular UxV weapon payloads (HAVOC 40mm and CHAOS 12GA). Platforms are reusable, reloadable and use standard military inventory ammunition to deliver low-cost precision effects at the tactical edge.

Product overview

Skyborne Technologies develops a portfolio of smart aerial and ground robotics for defense and security applications. The product ecosystem centers on the Cerberus MI (modular Group 2 sUAS) as the primary aerial platform, CODiAQ as the ground-based quadruped system, and Gannet LE as the loitering munition. These platforms share common modular components: the CHAOS 12GA and HAVOC 40mm weapon payloads, and the EXITUS AI targeting software which powers AI-assisted target recognition across all platforms. The company also develops proprietary UxV weapon payloads and targeting pipeline software that integrate across the product family.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EXITUS AI: Targeting pipeline software combining sensors and AI to enable robotic platforms to accelerate the Kill Chain - deployed on Cerberus MI, CODiAQ, and Gannet LE
• CODiAQ
• Cerberus MI
• Gannet LE
• HAVOC 40mm
• CHAOS 12GA

Products and services

• Cerberus MI (Modular Integration) Multi-mission, man-packable Group 2 small unmanned aerial system with modular kinetic and non-kinetic payloads. Features AI Aided Target Recognition (AiTR), VTOL launch and a re-usable, re-loadable design using standard military inventory ammunition. Designed for organic precision offensive support at platoon and squad level.
• CODiAQ (Controller-Operated Direct-Action Quadruped) Armed unmanned ground system (robot dog) integrating Skyborne's modular lethal payloads and AI-assisted targeting onto the Ghost Robotics Vision 60 quadruped platform. IP67 rated, MIL-STD-810H tested, NDAA compliant, 66 kg mass with approximately 2 hr 15 min runtime. Designed for low-intensity conflicts, urban operations and force multiplication for small tactical teams.
• EXITUS AI Targeting pipeline software that fuses sensors and software (laser ranging, GNSS, EO/IR cameras, computer vision, machine learning and data fusion) to enable robotic platforms to accelerate the Kill Chain. Deployed on Cerberus MI, CODiAQ and Gannet LE. Allows operators to select, track and engage AI-detected and non-detected targets with only minimal training.
• Gannet LE (Loitering Effects) Precision optically guided tube-launched loitering munition with AI onboard Vision Based AI system for target detection, identification and tracking. Achieved 100mm Optical Terminal Guidance accuracy in February 2025 flight tests. Can be ground or air launched from manned or unmanned platforms.
• CHAOS 12GA UxV Weapon Payload 10-shot 12 gauge shotgun UxV weapon payload system with servo-operated round chamber for round selection. Fires up to 70 rounds/min, configurable for lethal or non-lethal rounds. Modular standalone UxV weapon system weighing approximately 2.48 kg with LRF mounted, for integration onto third-party UxV platforms.
• HAVOC 40mm UxV Weapon Payload 5-shot electronically-actuated 40mm grenade launcher accepting standard NATO rounds at up to 120 rounds/min. Servo select round chamber for in-flight round selection. IP66 rated. Modular standalone UxV weapon system weighing 2.6 kg (carbon) or 3.3 kg (aluminium), for integration onto third-party unmanned platforms.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100mm accuracy achieved in Gannet LE Optical Terminal Guidance flight test, Feb 2025 (winds 20km/h gusting)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability7 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• WAIVTECcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership to integrate WAIVTEC's AI-powered surveillance technology into Skyborne Technologies' drone airship platforms. Subsystem deliveries expected June 2026 for flight testing at Skyborne Technology's owned airport in Florida.
• XeriantminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on developing nanotechnologies for aerospace applications. Potential future mergers discussed. Currently in joint development phase.
• Ghost RoboticscoreTechnology or IntegrationCODiAQ's lethal payload capability developed by Skyborne Technologies for integration with the Ghost Robotics Vision 60 quadruped platform. Vision 60 serves as the mobility base for CODiAQ armed unmanned ground system.
• Athena AIcoreTechnology or IntegrationJoint venture partner providing AI target recognition (AiTR) software for Cerberus and CODiAQ platforms. Athena AI delivers machine vision for target detection and tracking information onboard edge processors. Subcontractor on USMC Warfighting Laboratory contract for Slew-to-Cue feature development.
• Silvus TechnologiescoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegration of Silvus StreamCaster MANET (Mobile Ad Hoc Networking) radio into Cerberus MI sUAS for seamless and secure data transmission in contested environments. Contracted by US Marine Corps for network interoperability.
• Cyborg Dynamics EngineeringcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic weaponizing partner for Cerberus platform. Joint marketing video developed by NIOA featuring Skyborne and Cyborg. Collaboration on joint RAS-AI demonstration events with UGV units.
• BIA5minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerQueensland defense technology consortium partner. Participated in Joint RAS-AI demonstration day with Skyborne's Cerberus UAV and UGV units.
• NIOAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustralian weaponizing partner for HAVOC 40mm launcher development. Sovereign capability development partnership. NIOA developed joint marketing video for Skyborne UAV weaponization program.
• U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Center (ATEC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent Government safety testing conducted at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD for CODiAQ Limited Safety Release. Validated key system safety requirements against Department of War standards.
• Defence Science Technology Group (DSTG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustralian Department of Defence sponsor for Gannet Loitering Effects via Rapid Prototype Initiative program. Partner in Gannet OTG success. DSTG collaborates on Gannet Glide Drone program.
• Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)coreOthersAustralian civilian aviation authority that granted first-of-type aerial firing approval for Cerberus GLH in Australia. 17-month approval process for weaponized RPA operation on private land in civilian airspace.
• UXV TechnologiescoreTechnology or IntegrationGround Control Station provider. Cerberus MI operates using UXV Technologies SRoC (Android) ground control station.
• Queensland Police ServiceminorOthersRegulatory stakeholder in Skyborne's first-of-type aerial firing approval process. Temporary range authorization provided for Australia-based firing tests.
• Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre (TAS DCRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of Gannet Glide Drone 24-month program alongside Australian Army. Consortium member for Queensland RAS-AI demonstration events.
• UK Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAwarded both Lot 1 and Lot 2 contracts under Unmanned Air Systems in Urban Environments competition for CHAOS 12GA development and Cerberus UAV flight demonstrations.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Anduril Industries: Anduril is a direct peer developing AI-enabled autonomous defense systems including lethal UAS (Roadrunner, Bolt) and unmanned platforms for USSOCOM and allied forces. Both companies compete for the same AI-enabled tactical lethality procurement dollars within AUKUS and Five Eyes defense markets.
• Ghost Robotics: Ghost Robotics is both a partner (Vision 60 mobility platform for CODiAQ) and a direct competitor in the armed quadruped/UGV space. Skyborne's CODiAQ lethal payload integrates with Vision 60, while Ghost Robotics' own weaponized variants (e.g., for Australian Army) compete in the same procurement categories.
• UVision: UVision specializes in lethal loitering munition systems (Hero series) for militaries globally. It is a direct competitor to Skyborne's Gannet LE product in the same optically-guided tube-launched munition category, serving similar special operations and tactical customers.
• Tekever: Tekever is a European-based UAS provider offering ISR and tactical drones for defense and security customers. Like Skyborne, it focuses on small, man-portable UAVs with growing US and allied defense market presence, serving similar counter-insurgency and border surveillance use cases.
• Shield AI: Shield AI develops AI-piloted autonomous UAS (V-BAT, Hivemind) for defense and intelligence customers. It is a direct competitor to Skyborne in AI-enabled small UAS for military and special operations use cases, with overlapping US DoD customer relationships.

Broad incumbents

• AeroVironment: AeroVironment is a publicly-traded leader in tactical UAS (Switchblade loitering munitions, Puma, Raven) serving US DoD and allied militaries. Skyborne's Cerberus MI and Gannet LE compete directly with AeroVironment's Switchblade and Puma product lines in the same lethal sUAS category.
• BAE Systems (with relevant autonomy divisions): BAE Systems is a major global defense prime supplying autonomous and unmanned systems including loitering munitions and counter-UAS solutions. It competes for the same UK MoD and AUKUS defense contracts Skyborne targets, but as a broad incumbent across a much wider defense portfolio.

Emerging players

• Marathon Targets: Marathon Targets develops robotic target and unmanned ground systems for defense training and live-fire exercises. While narrower in scope, it represents the emerging Australian defense technology ecosystem alongside Skyborne, often participating in joint demonstrations with Australian Defence Force.
• Cyborg Dynamics Engineering: Cyborg Dynamics is an Australian strategic partner of Skyborne (joint RAS-AI demonstrations, weaponizing collaboration for Cerberus) and an emerging competitor in the armed UAS and UGV space for Australian Defence Force and allied markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SkyborneTech
• Xx.com/skybornetech
• Instagraminstagram.com/skybornetech

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Skyborne Technologies