San Antonio Drone Startup Darkhive Takes on DJI with Military-Grade Tech

A San Antonio-based drone startup is positioning itself to challenge Chinese drone giant DJI’s dominance in the military and public safety markets. Darkhive, founded in 2021 by John Goodson and Steve Turner, is developing affordable, easy-to-use drones manufactured outside of China.

Filling a Critical Gap in US Drone Capabilities

Darkhive’s founders recognized a significant vulnerability – the US and allies’ reliance on Chinese-made drones, particularly DJI’s popular Mavic series. With DJI controlling an estimated 80% of the global drone market, Goodson and Turner saw an urgent need for domestically-produced alternatives, reports Express News.

“We set out to build the easiest-to-use, most reliable, most affordable drone manufactured outside the borders of a potential adversary,” said Goodson.

Validated Strategy Amid Ukraine Conflict

Far from derailing their plans, the drone-centric warfare in Ukraine has validated Darkhive’s approach. Both sides in the conflict have consistently relied on DJI’s Mavic 3 drones, priced between $1,500-$3,500, over more expensive custom models.

Darkhive’s prototype Yellowjacket drone aims to match the Mavic’s simplicity and affordability. The goal is a sub-$5,000 drone that can be operated easily with a smartphone and treated as disposable if lost in action.

Rapid Growth and Major Investment

Darkhive’s strategy is paying off. The company has secured increasingly large military contracts since 2022, culminating in substantial orders for 2024. This success attracted a $21 million investment from Ten Eleven Ventures, fueling Darkhive’s manufacturing ramp-up.

“You have to start somewhere,” Turner said, acknowledging they’re not yet price-competitive with DJI. “Our belief is that the Yellowjacket and other drone tech from Darkhive begins to empower the United States and its allies with a tool procured within friendly borders.”

Ambitious Production Goals

Darkhive aims to achieve a manufacturing capacity of 10,000 drones per month by 2025. This ambitious target aligns with reported drone losses in Ukraine, estimated at up to 10,000 per month in mid-2023.

DroneXL’s Take

Darkhive’s mission to provide a domestically-produced alternative to Chinese drones is critical for US national security. Their focus on affordability and ease-of-use mirrors the approach that has made consumer drones so impactful in conflicts like Ukraine.

This strategy aligns with recent trends we’ve covered in drone industry developments, where we’re seeing increased investment in US-based drone manufacturing capabilities. Darkhive’s success could significantly reshape the military and public safety drone landscape.

What do you think about Darkhive’s approach to challenging DJI’s dominance? Share your thoughts in the comments below.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​