EagleNXT, the defense division of AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc., announced the sale of three eBee VISION unmanned aerial vehicles to the U.S. Army’s 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment (1-4 IN), based at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany.
In a press release dated October 30, 2025, EagleNXT said the drones will support the battalion’s role as the dedicated opposing force (OPFOR) at JMRC, which hosts realistic force-on-force training exercises for U.S. and allied forces. The 1-4 IN replicates adversary tactics, providing complex challenges to multinational units rotating through the center.
According to EagleNXT, the eBee VISION drone delivers real-time situational awareness and is optimized for tactical applications. “These systems will empower the OPFOR at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center to deliver cutting-edge training scenarios for U.S. and allied forces from around the world,” said EagleNXT CEO Bill Irby. “This contract is a significant milestone in our mission to provide world-class UAS solutions to defense customers.”
The aircraft is a lightweight, long-endurance drone with a flight time of up to 90 minutes. It transmits high-resolution imagery in real time and is built for portability, allowing rapid deployment in field environments. The company says these features make it well-suited for simulated battlefield reconnaissance and data-gathering during training exercises involving international partners.
The sale highlights the increasing integration of small UAS platforms into military training, where drones are used not only for reconnaissance and surveillance, but also to support scenario realism. In the JMRC context, the systems will likely help replicate near-peer adversary capabilities, a priority for NATO-aligned exercises.
EagleNXT noted that the acquisition also underscores growing interoperability between U.S. and allied forces, with joint units gaining exposure to shared platforms and operating procedures. “The eBee VISION’s data-sharing capabilities align with joint and multinational requirements,” the company said, suggesting it will help prepare forces for future coalition operations.
With this contract, EagleNXT continues expanding its footprint in the defense sector. The company’s drone systems have already been recognized by both U.S. and European regulators, with FAA approvals for Operations Over People and Beyond Visual Line of Sight, as well as C2 certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The eBee VISION is also listed on the Department of Defense’s Blue UAS list, a designation for trusted U.S.-manufactured drone systems.
The 1-4 IN’s adoption of this system could inform future purchases across other Army training commands or operational units. While the current acquisition is limited to three drones, their deployment at one of the Army’s most active multinational training centers will likely generate performance feedback from U.S. and partner militaries.
