The US Air Force has awarded two new multi-million-dollar contracts to drone manufacturer Skydio to expand the deployment of small unmanned aircraft across Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams. Under the agreements, the service will field the Skydio X10D, a military-grade variant designed for contested environments. Units under Air Combat Command will receive the drones, enabling TACP airmen to enhance battlefield situational awareness, conduct reconnaissance, and support communications during joint operations with ground forces. These teams routinely identify targets and coordinate air support, making drone-enabled visibility a critical capability.
EOD units are also adopting the Skydio systems for base operations and deployed missions, where the platform assists in inspecting hazardous devices, surveying blast sites, and reducing risk to personnel. Additional batches of drones are scheduled for delivery over the next 18 months, signaling continued investment in autonomous systems that improve mission safety and effectiveness.
Across the broader force, the Air Force has been scaling up the use of small drones for roles beyond the front lines. Security forces already rely on Skydio platforms for perimeter security and installation protection, expanding surveillance coverage without added manpower. At Travis Air Force Base, the 60th Maintenance Group recently launched the service’s first drone-based inspection initiative for C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. The program has significantly cut inspection time and improved safety, forming a key part of the Air Force’s modernization push to accelerate maintenance workflows and reduce risks to airmen.
