Neros Selected for US Army’s PBAS Programme, Secures $75m Series B to Scale Archer FPV Drone Platforms
UNITED STATES – Neros has been selected to supply its modular FPV drone systems for the US Army’s Platoon-Based Aerial System (PBAS) programme, expanding platoon-level unmanned capabilities across the force. The company will deliver Archer and Archer Strike platforms in 5-inch (in) and 10in variants, alongside the Flatbow soldier-portable control system. Following the selection, Neros announced a $75m Series B fundraising led by Sequoia Capital, bringing total capital raised to more than $120m.
PBAS Programme: New FPV Drones and Control Systems for Platoon-Level Operations
The PBAS programme is intended to deploy modular, adaptable FPV drone technology at the platoon level throughout the Army. Under the initiative, Neros will field its Archer and Archer Strike platforms in both 5in and 10in models-new variants that progress from the previously fielded Archer 8in system. The package also includes Flatbow, an updated soldier-portable version of Neros’ Crossbow Ground Control System.
Neros’ Archer Strike integrates with anti-armour and anti-personnel payloads from Kraken Kinetics Terminus, extending the system’s engagement range beyond 20 kilometres (km). The non-Strike Archer platforms provide expanded intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) functionality and can accommodate customizable payloads, enabling operators to tailor the system to specific mission requirements.
Flatbow serves as a mobile control platform designed to operate in contested electromagnetic environments, featuring technology aimed at countering jamming and maintaining command-and-control resilience.
Soren Monroe-Anderson, CEO of Neros, said: “The PBAS programme selection caps over two years of rigorous system development and testing with both our Ukrainian and US military partners. Neros is committed to supporting these efforts and helping our nation meet the rapidly growing demand for small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) defence solutions.”
Series B Funding Fuels Manufacturing and R&D Expansion
On the heels of its PBAS programme selection, Neros announced it has secured $75m in Series B fundraising, bringing total capital raised to more than $120m. The round was led by Sequoia Capital, with participation from Vy Capital US and Interlagos.
- Amount raised: $75m Series B
- Total capital: More than $120m
- Lead investor: Sequoia Capital
- Participants: Vy Capital US, Interlagos
Neros plans to use the new funding to expand manufacturing capabilities, scaling production of the Archer and Archer Strike drone platforms, as well as its ground control systems. A portion of the investment will support research and development focused on future autonomous system architectures.
“Our Series B fundraise represents the culmination of more than two years of company growth, focused product development, and aggressive iteration based on real battlefield results,” Soren Monroe-Anderson added.
What the PBAS Package Delivers
- Archer Strike (5in and 10in): FPV strike drones integrated with Kraken Kinetics Terminus payloads; operational range beyond 20 km.
- Archer (5in and 10in): ISR-focused platforms with customizable payload options; evolved from the previously fielded 8in system.
- Flatbow: Soldier-portable control solution derived from Crossbow GCS; designed to counter jamming in contested electromagnetic environments.
Context and Operational Significance
The PBAS programme aims to equip platoon-level units with flexible, modular sUAS capabilities, reflecting the Army’s push to enhance tactical ISR and precision strike options. With the inclusion of Archer Strike for extended-range engagement and Archer for ISR roles, the package provides a dual-purpose capability set, supported by Flatbow for resilient control and mission continuity.
Neros’ combination of new 5in and 10in variants, ISR features, and anti-armour/anti-personnel payload integration addresses operational demand for adaptable FPV drones. The company’s manufacturing scale-up and R&D investment signal an accelerated push to meet rapidly growing sUAS defence requirements.
Conclusion
With its PBAS programme selection and $75m Series B, Neros is poised to ramp production of the Archer and Archer Strike platforms and enhance its control systems, while investing in new autonomous architectures. As deployments progress, the PBAS package is positioned to strengthen platoon-level ISR and strike capabilities across the US Army, supported by systems designed for contested electromagnetic environments and long-range, mission-configurable operations.
