# U.S. Army Awards Skyeton Raybird Drone Contract

The U.S. Army awarded a **$10.6 million** firm-fixed-price contract to Skyeton Inc., the American subsidiary of Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton, for Raybird reconnaissance unmanned aerial systems and related services. This contract, issued by the Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, supports procurement of advanced long-endurance fixed-wing surveillance drones that have accumulated over 350,000 combat flight hours in the Ukraine conflict. Delivery and completion are expected by December 15, 2026, reflecting the Army's ongoing efforts to integrate battlefield-proven technologies from Ukraine into U.S. military capabilities.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the U.S. Army's interest in leveraging foreign-developed drone technology with demonstrated combat effectiveness, signaling potential future demand for similar unmanned systems.
- The contract was awarded via a single-bid internet solicitation, indicating a niche market with limited prime contractors currently qualified to supply this capability.
- Contractors specializing in unmanned aerial systems and surveillance technologies may find opportunities by aligning with or competing against firms like Skyeton Inc.
- The delivery timeline through late 2026 provides a clear window for suppliers and subcontractors to plan production and support services aligned with Army modernization priorities.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** September 19, 2026

### Government Entities
- Army Contracting Command (ACC)
- U.S. Army (Army)
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)

### Vendors
- Skyeton Inc. (prime contractor)

### Sources
- [US Army awards $10.6 million contract for Ukrainian Raybird drones](https://kyivindependent.com/us-army-awards-10-6-million-contract-for-ukrainian-raybird-drones) - The Kyiv Independent
- [A Ukrainian-designed drone that's flown over 350,000 combat hours in the war just landed a contract with the U.S. Army. $10.6M FFP to Skyeton Inc., one bid received on an internet solicitation.

Read more: https://t.co/reL7aEje5x https://t.co/de0Q1bAlMG](https://x.com/DylanMalyasov/status/2101275004000198811) - twitter-fed-procurement