Kraus Hamdani's AI-enabled K1000ULE drone selected for US Army Program of Record

Nov 12, 2026
The fully electric Group 2 VTOL aircraft will join Army reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition capabilities. The contract value was not disclosed.

Kraus Hamdani Aerospace says its K1000ULE has been selected as part of a major U.S. Army Program of Record, according to a press release. The company did not name the program or give the contract value.

The K1000ULE is a fully electric, Group 2 unmanned aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing that the company describes as autonomous and AI-enabled, built for long-range, long-endurance flights. Under the award, Kraus Hamdani will deliver the aircraft, which the Army will integrate into its reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition capabilities.

A program of record is an acquisition program with its own funding line in the defense budget. The award follows an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract from U.S. Air Forces Central earlier this year and the aircraft's listing on the Defense Innovation Unit's Blue UAS lists. "Coming on the heels of Veterans Day, this announcement carries special meaning for our team," said CEO Fatema Hamdani.

We hope you enjoyed this article

Consider subscribing to one of our newsletters like Defense AI Brief, Robotics Brief or Daily AI Brief.

Also, consider following us on social media:

Defense AI Brief AI & Robotics AI Brief AI Brief (X)
Free newsletter

Robotics Brief

Weekly coverage of AI-driven robotics advances in industrial automation, autonomous vehicles, and robotic systems.

Guide
Private humanoid makers by latest disclosed equity round

Private humanoid makers by latest disclosed equity round

Thirteen independent humanoid robot makers, ordered by the size of their latest disclosed round

Industry analysis

2025 Global Business Services Agenda: Gen AI Takes Center Stage

The Hackett Group

This industry analysis by The Hackett Group explores the transformative impact of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) on global business services (GBS) in 2025. The study highlights the shift from exploration to acceleration of Gen AI initiatives, with 89% of executives advancing these projects to improve customer satisfaction, innovate products, and reduce costs. The report also discusses the challenges and strategies for successful Gen AI adoption, emphasizing the need for a technology-enabled operating model and the importance of reskilling the workforce.

Read more

You may also like

Free, six days a week

Daily AI Brief: the AI news that matters, in your inbox.