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03. July 2025

Skyways Secures 5 Million Boost To Fuel Us Defense Autonomous Drone Production

Skyways Secures 5 Million Boost To Fuel Us Defense Autonomous Drone Production

Skyways Secures Major Investment to Accelerate Production of Autonomous Cargo Drones for US Department of Defense

The Austin-based design and manufacturing firm, Skyways, has secured a $5 million credit investment from Leonid Capital Partners, further solidifying its position as a leading player in the autonomous cargo drone industry. This significant funding injection is aimed at rapidly increasing production of Skyways’ V3 unmanned aircraft, which have recently been awarded a $37 million contract by the US Air Force’s AFWERX program.

The new debt facility represents a substantial vote of confidence in Skyways’ technology and business model. According to Chris Lay, Co-Founding Partner at Leonid Capital Partners, “Skyways is setting the standard for next-generation aerial logistics. Their platform is engineered for speed, precision, and reliability. With a vertically integrated model and relentless focus on innovation, this investment supports the company’s continued growth as it scales operations and deepens its government partnerships.”

The Skyways V3 aircraft represents a significant improvement over its predecessor, the V2. The V3 can carry up to 100 pounds of cargo, travel over 1,000 miles, and remain airborne for more than 20 hours. This increase in payload capacity, range, and endurance makes it an attractive solution for various industries, including defense, logistics, and transportation.

One of the key features of the V3 is its use of a double-hybrid system that combines electric and fuel power. This allows for vertical takeoff and landing, similar to a helicopter, while also providing efficient cruising like a traditional airplane. The company has built multiple V3 prototypes and completed nearly 200 test flights, including flights with a heavy-fuel engine and missions lasting up to eight hours.

The recent success of Skyways can be attributed to the growing demand for unmanned systems in the defense sector. The Trump administration’s passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill and an overall increase in defense spending on drones have created a favorable environment for companies like Skyways to flourish. As a result, more investors are moving into the sector, accelerating innovation and production.

Charles Acknin, Co-Founder and CEO of Skyways, expressed his gratitude towards Leonid Capital Partners for their investment: “This funding is a strong vote of confidence in the business we’ve built at Skyways. By securing our $37 million OTA award last month and now this $5 million debt facility, we have kicked off the shift from prototype testing toward long-term sustainment and full-scale procurement, paving the way to Program of Record. There are more investments to come and that we will announce soon. It’s exciting to be at the forefront of this evolution. We are especially grateful to Leonid for its partnership. Leonid’s mission to accelerate innovation in national security is directly aligned with our own.”

Skyways is a pioneer in autonomous cargo drone transportation, with a focus on revolutionizing the industry. Unlike many competitors still in development, Skyways’ aircraft are already operational, carrying payloads for both military and commercial clients. The company is now moving toward mass production, with the goal of supporting real-world cargo missions and, eventually, passenger applications.

Leonid Capital Partners provides flexible, non-dilutive funding to high-growth defense and dual-use technology companies. By combining expertise in government contracting with tailored capital solutions, Leonid helps advance U.S. national security. With this investment, Skyways is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for autonomous cargo drones and become a leader in the industry.

The development of autonomous cargo drones has far-reaching implications for various industries, including logistics, transportation, and defense. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see increased adoption and innovation in this sector. Companies like Skyways are at the forefront of this evolution, driving progress and shaping the future of transportation.

The industry growth is driven by increasing defense spending on drones and the growing demand for efficient transportation solutions. The autonomous cargo drone industry is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by these factors. As companies push the boundaries of what is possible with autonomous technology, we can expect significant advancements in the sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • Skyways has secured a $5 million credit investment from Leonid Capital Partners to accelerate production of its V3 autonomous cargo drone.
  • The new funding follows Skyways’ recent $37 million award from the US Air Force’s AFWERX program.
  • The V3 aircraft offers significant improvements over its predecessor, including increased payload capacity, range, and endurance.
  • The industry growth is driven by increasing defense spending on drones and the growing demand for efficient transportation solutions.

As the autonomous cargo drone industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see significant advancements in technology and innovation. Companies like Skyways are poised to capitalize on this growth, driving progress and shaping the future of transportation. With the $5 million credit investment from Leonid Capital Partners, Skyways is well-positioned to accelerate production and deepen government partnerships, further solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.

For more information about Skyways, visit skyways.com.

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