By Light's Florida Plant Will Build Croatian-Designed Orqa Drones Under a $38 Million Pentagon Order
Orqa U.S., formed by Croatia's Orqa and By Light, won a $38 million Drone Dominance contract for 8-inch MRM2 indoor drones that By Light will build in Port Orange, Florida. The program leaderboard lists 7,000 drones; no delivery schedule is public.
The program leaderboard lists 7,000 drones for the venture Orqa and By Light formed in May, with no delivery schedule published.
Orqa U.S. won a $38 million Department of War contract to manufacture drones under Drone Dominance Gauntlet II, the company announced Oct. 13. The order covers an 8-inch indoor drone from Orqa's MRM2 suite and Orqa's ground control system. By Light Professional IT Services will build them at its 180,000-square-foot plant in Port Orange, Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Orqa U.S. win?
Orqa U.S. announced on Oct. 13, 2026, a $38 million Department of War contract to manufacture drones for the Drone Dominance program's Gauntlet II order. The system is an 8-inch indoor drone from Orqa's MRM2 suite plus Orqa's ground control system.
Who builds the drones?
By Light Professional IT Services will manufacture them at its 180,000-square-foot facility in Port Orange, Florida, according to the Orqa U.S. release. Croatia's Orqa provides the drone technology.
How many drones does the order cover?
The Drone Dominance leaderboard lists 7,000 drones for Orqa U.S. and says quantities will be finalized at contract award. The company's release does not state a quantity.
How did Orqa U.S. place in Gauntlet II?
It placed second behind Neros in the close-quarters battle category, per the program leaderboard.
What comes next for the program?
DroneLife reported that Phase III applicants must show they can produce at least 8,000 drones within five months, with Gauntlet III testing expected in March 2027. Gauntlet II winners qualify for an expedited process.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.