Volatus Aerospace launches Condor XL heavy-lift drone program

Volatus Aerospace (TAKOF) announced the launch of its Condor XL heavy-lift drone program. The company said, “Drawing on decades of helicopter operations experience, in-house avionics capabilities, and a renewed focus on rotorcraft-specific training, the company is introducing a next-generation platform designed to meet global demand for autonomous, heavy-lift drone solutions. The timing of this program aligns closely with recent public addresses by Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking on behalf of the Canadian government, outlining a national commitment to increased defense spending and the development of sovereign manufacturing capabilities. Volatus believes the Condor XL program directly supports these ambitions, representing a strategic investment in domestic aerospace innovation, dual-use technologies, and critical infrastructure resilience. Originally developed by Drone Delivery Canada, the Condor platform showed strong potential for remote logistics and long-range operations. The Volatus Condor XL will carry up to 180kg and travel up to 200 km.” Flight testing is set to begin this fall, with operational deployments planned for 2026.