Israeli AIR completes first flight of production-ready cargo drone

Israeli company AIR announced that it has successfully completed the first flight of its production-ready AIR Cargo drone, marking a key milestone as the company moves toward serial manufacturing and planned deliveries in 2026.

The maiden flight took place earlier this month in southern Israel and, according to the company, demonstrated the aircraft’s ability to operate in challenging conditions and complex mission environments.

Large logistics drone aimed at commercial and defense use

The AIR Cargo is an electric eVTOL logistics UAV designed to support cargo operations in demanding environments, including areas facing operational threats.

According to the company, the platform is one of the largest logistics UAVs of its kind in the world and is capable of carrying payloads of about 250 kilograms, or roughly 550 pounds.

The aircraft is classified by the U.S. Department of Defense under the Group 4 UAS category, placing it in a higher-end class of unmanned systems suited for larger and more demanding missions.

Built after two years of testing

AIR said the development of the platform followed two years of intensive testing that included beyond-visual-line-of-sight flights and delivery missions to remote areas.

The drone includes advanced avionics designed to support navigation in GPS-denied environments, a capability aimed at improving performance in contested or infrastructure-limited settings.

Its design also includes folding wings and motor arms, allowing for more compact storage and easier transport.

Industry partnerships and next manufacturing phase

The company said the platform was developed in cooperation with several major industry partners. These include EDAG, which developed the airframe, and motor manufacturer Nidec.

“The success of the maiden flight reflects a long-term investment in adapting the platform to real-world operational requirements, beyond theoretical simulations,” said AIR CEO and co-founder Rani Plaut.

“Every component of the aircraft was tested under extreme conditions to ensure it functions as a reliable workhorse for operators,” added co-founder and CTO Chen Rosen.

With serial production now underway, AIR said additional aircraft are already in advanced stages of manufacturing.

U.S. demonstrations planned as AIR expands globally

Beyond its activities in Israel, the company said it plans to send additional aircraft to the United States for demonstrations to the FAA and the U.S. Department of Defense as it seeks to advance certification and deepen international engagement.

The company also pointed to broader business momentum, saying it recently surpassed $1 billion in private orders and raised $23 million in a Series A funding round led by Entrée Capital.

The first successful flight of the production-ready AIR Cargo platform now positions the company for its next phase: certification, expanded demonstrations, and initial deliveries beginning next year.