Red Cat & the Drone Wars: A Modest Proposal

My Aunt Mildred, God love her, keeps asking me about “those little flying robots.” She saw one on the news, naturally, and now believes I’m some sort of drone whisperer. I tried to explain the complexities of autonomous systems, the logistical nightmares of supply chains, but she just patted my hand and asked if they delivered groceries yet. It’s always groceries with Mildred. Which brings me to Red Cat Holdings (RCAT +17.38%). They don’t deliver groceries, at least not yet, but they are up over 17% today, and that, in the grand scheme of things, feels…significant.

It seems the U.S. Armed Forces have been rather busy, engaging in what the news anchors delicately refer to as “extensive combat operations.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a name I’m now contractually obligated to remember, is apparently very keen on one-way attack drones. One-way. As in, they don’t come back. It’s a remarkably efficient, if slightly unsettling, approach to warfare. And, naturally, it’s good for business. Or, at least, good for Red Cat’s business. They’re developing things, you see. Autonomous systems. Multi-domain collection of unmanned systems. It sounds…impressive. I mostly collect dust bunnies under my sofa, but to each their own.

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The whole thing feels a bit…feverish. Like everyone’s suddenly realized that cheap, expendable drones are the future of conflict. Which, if you think about it, is deeply depressing. But also, from a purely mercenary standpoint, a rather astute investment opportunity. I’ve been looking at their Innovation Day event. Apparently, they have a Variant 7 uncrewed surface vessel (USV) and something called a Black Widow aerial reconnaissance drone. I’m picturing a very stylish, slightly menacing spider. I’m hoping it’s not prone to getting tangled in power lines.

They’re also partnering with Allen Control Systems to integrate a “Bullfrog autonomous counter-drone system.” Which, honestly, sounds like something out of a particularly ambitious children’s book. Drones fighting drones. It’s like a tiny, airborne version of the Cold War. And I, for one, am cautiously optimistic about the potential returns. Mildred, of course, is still waiting for her grocery delivery. I told her I’d look into it. Maybe Red Cat will diversify. One can always hope. It would certainly simplify family gatherings.

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2026-03-03 04:33