Serbian Defense Leader PR-DC Joins Forces with Raven Advisory to Launch Joint Drone Manufacturing in the U.S.

Key Takeaways

PR-DC, a Serbian drone manufacturer, and Raven Advisory, a U.S. defense contractor, have formed a joint venture, USAT, to produce military-grade drones in the U.S.
USAT will manufacture PR-DC’s IKA-BOMBER drone, designed to meet U.S. and NATO standards, leveraging Raven’s North Carolina facility for testing and operations.
The agreement ensures PR-DC retains its intellectual property while expanding its market reach through Raven Advisory’s resources and expertise.

Joint Venture Between PR-DC and Raven Advisory

Belgrade-based PR-DC and North Carolina’s Raven Advisory have established a strategic joint venture, named USAT, to manufacture advanced military drones in the U.S. This partnership was formalized last week in Belgrade and marks a significant milestone for both companies in expanding their operational capabilities.

PR-DC, known for its innovative multicopter drone systems, has entered this joint venture to enhance its production capabilities while maintaining its manufacturing operations in Serbia. The U.S. wing of the venture will be supported by Raven Advisory, which will handle financing, establish manufacturing and testing facilities in North Carolina, and serve as the exclusive sales partner for PR-DC’s military drone solutions.

The initial focus for USAT will be the IKA-BOMBER drone system, specifically engineered to meet U.S. Department of Defense standards as well as NATO specifications. This system stands out for its modular design, allowing adaptation for various military applications. Zeljko Mitrovic, PR-DC’s co-founder, emphasizes the drone’s extensive testing for reliability under challenging conditions.

Raven Advisory’s CEO, Sheffield Ford, highlighted PR-DC’s comprehensive operational solutions, showcasing their capability to provide fully integrated systems, not just hardware. Their partnership will utilize Raven’s expansive 2,700-acre facility, which has FAA-approved airspace for rigorous testing and validation of both civilian and military drone applications.

The joint venture aims to commence operations this year, with the first demonstrations of the drone systems occurring at Raven’s facility, appealing to both U.S. Department of Defense officials and international clients. These demonstrations will simulate realistic operational scenarios, underscoring the effectiveness of the drone systems.

With this collaboration, PR-DC not only expands its business internationally but also strengthens its commitment to advancing military drone technology, responding to the growing demand for such capabilities in global markets.

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