The USAF signs a multi-million dollar contract for Skydio’s X10D drones to enhance TACP and EOD missions with autonomy and advanced situational awareness.
Summary
On November 13, 2025, the U.S. Air Force announced that it had awarded Skydio two initial multi-million dollar contracts to deploy the X10D autonomous drone for use by TACP (Tactical Air Control Party) and EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) units. This equipment will be part of a broader strategy to integrate unmanned and autonomous systems at the tactical level, with the aim of improving situational awareness, liaison in contested areas, and squadron responsiveness. The X10D drone is praised for its high-resolution sensors, autonomy in GPS/RF jamming environments, and modularity, which make it innovative for the mission. The TACP role involves guiding close air support from the ground while EOD teams neutralize improvised munitions or explosives. The choice of Skydio responds to a need for agility and rapid deployment, in a context of increased competition among tactical drone manufacturers.
Contract announcement and objectives
The U.S. Air Force, through its Air Combat Command branch, announced that the two contracts awarded to Skydio were for the supply of X10D systems for TACP and EOD units. According to the press release, these systems will enable air traffic controllers and explosives specialists to increase their “organic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)” capabilities, connect data streams, and operate in contested environments.
The exact amount was not publicly disclosed in the press release, but is described as “multi-million dollar contracts.” The choice of these missions (TACP and EOD) shows the USAF’s desire not to reserve autonomous drones for large systems alone, but to integrate them directly at the tactical level, close to combatants. The X10D drone thus responds to a logic of “distributed, agile, and autonomous force.”
The X10D drone: what makes it innovative
Skydio’s X10D drone stands out for several advanced technical features:
- A very high-end sensor package: a 48 MP telephoto camera, a Teledyne FLIR Boson+ 640×512 px thermal sensor with sensitivity < 30 mK.
- Resilience in RF and GPS jamming environments: the system incorporates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and visual navigation (VIO) allowing it to operate even without GPS.
- Modular and open platform: the device supports third-party sensors, expansion rails, and open MAVLink protocols, allowing it to be adapted for TACP or EOD uses.
- Rapid deployment and operator-driven use: the technical data sheet indicates a fast deployment time (< 40 s for the X10 model), multi-band radio control, and IP55 weather certification.
This combination of sensors, resilience in contested environments, and modularity makes the X10D particularly well-suited for tactical missions where real-time situational awareness is essential. It opens up advanced uses for TACP teams that need to guide air support, and for EOD teams that sometimes operate in hostile areas where jamming or GPS may be compromised.
What are TACP and EOD missions?
The TACP mission
The TACP (Tactical Air Control Party) is a team from the USAF (and other allied forces) that accompanies ground forces and liaises with fighter or strike aircraft. Its main role is to provide markers, coordinate close air support, relay the position of threats, and ensure integration between ground and air forces. To do this, controllers must have a shared view of the situation, a two-way link with the aircraft and ground forces, and the ability to quickly identify threats or markings. The integration of a drone such as the X10D enhances visual support, advanced reconnaissance, and liaison in contested environments.
The EOD mission
EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) teams are responsible for detecting, neutralizing, or removing weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and any device that may threaten forces or facilities. They often operate on the ground, sometimes in urban environments, close to or within combat zones, and require a high level of precision, visibility, and safety. An autonomous drone such as the X10D can be deployed to fly over a perimeter, detect thermal threats, provide communication relay, or inspect facilities remotely, limiting human exposure and speeding up response times.
Why did the USAF award this contract to Skydio?
Several factors explain the choice of Skydio and the X10D:
- Truly autonomous system: the X10D’s onboard AI allows the aircraft to fly without constant human intervention, reducing operator load, speeding up deployment, and improving tactical agility.
- Adaptability to contested environments: The ability to navigate without GPS, resist jamming, and return to a launch point in a radio-disrupted environment is a major asset for TACP/EOD missions.
- Modularity and interoperability: The platform integrates with networks, visualization systems, and standard liaison protocols, facilitating integration into the chain of command.
- Rapid deployment: its compact size, rapid implementation, and adaptability in varied terrain (bases, forward areas) are in line with the USAF’s strategy of dispersion and agility.
- Confidence in the manufacturer: Skydio is based in the United States, complies with NDAA/Blue UAS standards, and already supplies several military programs. The press release states that Skydio is “entrusted by every branch of the U.S. military.”
Taking all these factors into account, the USAF finds the X10D to be a more tactical solution than some larger or slower drones, and above all more suited to ground-to-air and ground-to-explosive missions.
Competition and market position
In the autonomous tactical drone segment, Skydio faces several competitors: small VTOL drones, long-endurance platforms, and European or Israeli solutions. However, few offer the combination of autonomy, high-performance sensors, and onboard electronic resistance that the X10D provides. The US Army selected the X10D (or a similar development) for its Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) program.
Other manufacturers such as AeroVironment, DJI (outside the US military sector), FLIR/Black Hawk, and Elbit/IAI in Israel remain active but do not yet have the same level of autonomous AI integration at the tactical level for a major air force such as the USAF. This leaves Skydio with an important strategic window of opportunity, with this new contract as leverage.
Impact on operations and the future of TACP/EOD missions
The integration of systems such as the X10D changes several operational parameters:
- TACP teams can have an organic drone on the battlefield, providing constant visibility, communications relay, and real-time warning. This reduces the time between threat detection and the generation of air support.
- For EOD teams, having an autonomous drone allows them to “scan” a perimeter, detect thermal signatures, anomalies, or ammunition, without exposing personnel. This improves speed and reduces risk.
- In terms of base or perimeter defense, the X10D can be used as a base defense element (facility protection) or as an advanced surveillance tool, strengthening the security posture. The press release cites its use for USAF facility security.
In the longer term, this type of equipment feeds into the vision of a “distributed and agile force,” where autonomous drones work alongside soldiers, bring ISR closer to the combatant, and reduce dependence on costly or top-down platforms. The X10D, with its characteristics, is part of this evolution.
Challenges and limitations to consider
Despite its advantages, several challenges remain to be addressed:
- Integration into the command and data chain: drones must deliver their sensors in a format that is compatible, secure, and usable by ground-to-air controllers or EOD teams.
- Cybersecurity and electronic warfare: even though the X10D is designed for contested environments, an adversary may seek to jam the link or disrupt the system.
- Logistical support and maintenance: the density of tactical drones will increase, requiring maintenance resources, spare parts, and training.
- Acquisition and operating costs: although “tactical” compared to larger platforms, each autonomous system has a cost and a lifespan that must be managed.
- International and regulatory competition: allies and partners expect compatible architectures, and standardization is becoming important.
The award of this contract to Skydio marks a turning point in the US Air Force’s use of autonomous drones. The X10D is positioned as a central element of TACP and EOD missions, offering advanced sensors, high autonomy, and tactical adaptability. However, success will depend on integration, training, and logistics. Ultimately, if this technology delivers on its promises, it could redefine how air and ground forces collaborate and how tactical situational awareness is distributed in a modern theater of operations.
Sources
– PR Newswire, “U.S. Air Force Awards Skydio Initial Contracts to Bring Advanced Autonomy to Mission-Critical USAF Specialties,” November 13, 2025.
– Skydio, “Skydio X10D Product Announcement.”
– Skydio Solutions, “Tactical ISR and Base Defense – Skydio X10D.”
– Skydio Blog, “U.S. Army Awards $7.9 M Contract to Skydio for SRR Tranche 2.”
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.