Robotics
Apr 29, 2026
Firestorm Labs secures $82 million to develop mobile drone manufacturing solutions
Apr 29, 2026
AI Summary
Firestorm Labs has raised $82 million in Series B funding to enhance its mobile drone manufacturing capabilities. The startup's xCell platform allows for rapid production of drones in the field, addressing logistical challenges faced by the U.S. military, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
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- Firestorm Labs, based in San Diego, has raised $82 million in Series B funding, bringing total funding to $153 million. The funding round was led by Washington Harbour Partners and included participation from several notable investors, including Lockheed Martin and Booz Allen Ventures.
- The company initially focused on drone manufacturing but pivoted to creating mobile drone factories in response to customer demand for closer production to conflict zones.
- The xCell platform can produce drone systems in under 24 hours and is capable of being configured for various missions, including surveillance and electronic warfare.
- Firestorm Labs CEO Dan Magy confirmed that the platforms can be used for lethal operations and are delivered to U.S. Department of Defense commands for deployment.
- The Pentagon has identified contested logistics as a critical technology area, highlighting the importance of maintaining supply lines under fire. Firestorm generates revenue through hardware sales and government contracts, including a $100 million ceiling contract with the Air Force.
- Two xCell units are currently deployed in the U.S., with operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The technology includes an industrial-grade HP 3D printer for drone components, with a five-year exclusive agreement with HP for mobile deployment units.
- Firestorm aims to achieve full operational deployment of xCell in the Indo-Pacific within the next two years, addressing the rapid evolution of drone designs in modern conflicts.
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