Sterling drone-jamming firm to be acquired by Taser maker Axon(0)

The maker of drone-jamming and detection devices, Dedrone, which is based in Sterling, has entered into an acquisition agreement with Axon Enterprise, a Taser manufacturer headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.

In an announcement made on Monday, the companies stated that the transaction is projected to be finalized during the second half of 2024, while keeping the terms of the deal undisclosed.

Dedrone’s portable gunlike drone jammer can thwart aerial drones by disrupting communications links with targeted radio pulses. The company has worked with police departments, the U.S. Army and other military and commercial clients. Dedrone has partnered with the Ukrainian government to provide nearly 300 sensors capable of identifying and detecting radio signatures of nearly 250 different models of drones, according to Dedrone’s website. It has also sent riflelike devices to Ukraine that have been used to jam Russian drones, according to The New York Times.

By harnessing the power of AI and machine learning, Dedrone ensures a continuous and automated system for interrogating and verifying drones. Its cutting-edge devices are designed to detect and discourage the presence of unwanted drones in critical areas like military bases, airports, and public events.

Formerly named Taser International, Axon is renowned for its Taser devices, body cameras, in-car cameras, and cloud-based digital evidence management platforms. The company caters to first responders, including law enforcement officers at the local, state, and federal levels.

In a news release unveiling the acquisition, the companies stated that Dedrone will bolster Axon's capability to aid customers in protecting their communities, enhancing their response to critical incidents, and safeguarding more lives in multiple locations.

In a statement, Axon founder and CEO Rick Smith announced the intention to revolutionize public safety by combining Axon's 30-year legacy of innovation with Dedrone's cutting-edge airspace security solutions. Smith highlighted the joint efforts to enhance the development of an advanced end-to-end drone solution that facilitates the operation of beneficial drones and safeguards against malicious ones.

The year 2017 marked the rebranding of Taser International to Axon. Axon experienced a 34% growth in revenue during the first quarter of 2024, with recurring revenue hitting $825 million.

Dedrone CEO Aaditya Devarakonda stated that Dedrone's impact is steadily growing across industries such as federal governments, utilities, critical infrastructure, event venues, airports, correctional facilities, and other enterprises. With the integration of Axon's advanced ecosystem of connected devices and software, we are poised to take the lead in ensuring the safety of our communities and the security of nations globally.