Trump Jr.-backed Unusual Machines joins $10M investment in drone-maker Draganfly

What's the deal? Canadian drone-maker DraganflyDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has secured a $10 million equity investment from Unusual MachinesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → and an unnamed US asset management firm, the company said Monday. Each investor is putting in $5 million, priced on Draganfly's September 25 closing price of $5.35. The deal is expected to close by around September 30.

What's the endgame? Draganfly makes unmanned aircraft systems and software for defense, public safety, agriculture, and industrial inspection. It plans to use the proceeds to accelerate development of advanced strategic capabilities and to fund general working capital.

Why now? The raise lands as defense sector investment picks up amid persistent geopolitical tensions. Draganfly has supplied drones to Ukraine, where its systems have been used for mapping and humanitarian missions. In February, it raised $50 million through a share offering.

Who's backing it? Unusual Machines, which makes drone motors and control components, counts Donald Trump Jr. as an advisory board member. Trump Jr. and his brother Eric have also backed Israeli drone-maker XTEND and Powerus.

What could go wrong? The Trump family's investments have drawn scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest, particularly its stakes in defense firms that compete for government contracts. Trump Jr. did not respond to a request for comment.

The signal: The two firms' share performance points in opposite directions — Draganfly's New York-listed stock is down about 23% this year, while Unusual Machines has surged roughly 89%. The tie-up reflects growing investor appetite for drone and defense assets as governments and militaries expand demand.

Read more: srnnews.com

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