ZenaTech Enhances US Defense Engagement with Strategic Developments

Vancouver, British Columbia - December 16, 2025 - ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) has announced significant advances in its efforts to engage with US defense stakeholders through its subsidiary, ZenaDrone. The company is on track to conduct key field demonstrations that could lead to pilot agreements set for 2026, marking an important step in enhancing its presence in the defense sector.

Strategic Engagement and Planned Demonstrations

Dr. Shaun Passley, CEO of ZenaTech, stated, “Our active discussions with US defense agency program managers are on track to deliver opportunities for technical field demonstrations and planned pilot programs in 2026. We anticipate making announcements regarding ZenaDrone’s success in the first quarter of the coming year.” This commitment to *AI-powered drone solutions* underscores ZenaTech’s focus on supporting evolving mission requirements critical to national security.

Addressing National Security Needs

ZenaTech aims to meet the increasing demand for secure, domestically produced unmanned aerial systems (UAS). These systems support a variety of military applications, including:

• Inspection
• Surveillance
• Reconnaissance
• Cargo logistics
• Emergency response

Expansion of US Operations

The company has bolstered its US operations to deepen government engagement and establish domestic manufacturing capacities. A new office in the Washington, D.C. area positions ZenaDrone at the heart of federal government interactions, facilitating coordination with key military and congressional leaders while accelerating contract opportunities.

In addition to the D.C. office, ZenaTech is expanding manufacturing operations in Mesa, Arizona. Expected to be operational by Q1 2026, this facility will ensure that ZenaDrone’s platforms meet rigorous US and NATO standards—reinforcing the company’s dedication to producing compliant, American-made defense technologies.

Commitment to AI Innovations

In alignment with the White House’s AI Action Plan, ZenaTech established Zena AI, Inc. in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This division focuses on AI and autonomy development, driving next-generation solutions for defense and homeland security applications, including:

• Autonomous navigation
• Multi-drone coordination
• Real-time decision-making analytics

ZenaDrone’s Advanced Drone Systems

ZenaDrone's flagship systems are undergoing testing and preparing for certification stages. Notable models include:

• ZenaDrone 1000: A medium-sized VTOL drone with a lifting capability of approximately 40 kg, featuring AI-enabled autonomy and secure communication systems.
• IQ Nano: A compact indoor drone designed for operations in GPS-denied environments, useful for inventory management and security applications.
• IQ Square: A VTOL drone optimized for land surveys, infrastructure inspections, and defense reconnaissance tasks.

Pathway to Defense Contracts

The US military procurement cycle for drone solutions necessitates early engagement and capability demonstrations. ZenaDrone is strategically positioning itself as a trusted partner for US defense and homeland security agencies, ensuring alignment with national security priorities.

About ZenaTech

ZenaTech (Nasdaq: ZENA) is a technology company focused on AI drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions tailored for mission-critical applications. Since its establishment in 2017, ZenaTech has expanded its drone design and manufacturing capabilities, serving a diverse range of sectors including government, healthcare, and logistics.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact:

Linda Montgomery
ZenaTech
Phone: 312-241-1415
Email: investors@zenatech.com