Mr. Cameron Chell reports

SMALL & RURAL LAW ENFORCEMENT EXECUTIVES ASSOCIATION (SRLEEA) SELECTS DRAGANFLY TO LAUNCH ITS DRONE IMPLEMENTATION & READINESS PROGRAM FOR SMALL, RURAL & TRIBAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Draganfly Inc. has entered an exclusive strategic partnership with the Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association (SRLEEA) to launch the SRLEEA drone implementation and readiness program, a member service designed to enable small, rural and tribal law enforcement agencies to successfully implement, operate and sustain professional drone programs.

After considering a range of potential partners, SRLEEA selected Draganfly based on the company's deep understanding of the operational realities facing its members and its ability to provide the technology, training, policies and long-term support required to build sustainable drone programs. The initiative is specifically designed around the needs of small, rural and tribal agencies, including vast service areas, limited staffing, constrained budgets and the need for practical, cost-effective tools that can expand operational capacity without replacing personnel.

The organizations formally executed an agreement ahead of the conference and will commemorate the partnership during a ceremonial signing at the 2026 Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association annual conference in Orlando, Fla.

Representing more than 90 per cent of law enforcement agencies across the United States, small, rural, and tribal departments often serve vast geographic areas with limited personnel, constrained budgets and fewer specialized resources than their larger counterparts.

For many of these agencies, drones represent far more than new technology; they are a force multiplier that expands situational awareness, enhances officer safety, accelerates emergency response and extends operational capabilities without requiring additional personnel.

The SRLEEA drone implementation and readiness program was created to help agencies move beyond simply purchasing drone technology by providing the policies, professional training, operational guidance, implementation support and trusted equipment needed to build safe, effective and sustainable aviation programs.

"Innovation has the greatest impact when it reaches the people who need it most," said Cameron Chell, president and chief executive officer of Draganfly. "Small, rural and tribal law enforcement agencies protect the majority of communities across North America, often with fewer officers and fewer resources than larger departments. Through our partnership with SRLEEA, we're helping ensure these agencies have access to more than industry-leading drone technology. Together, we're providing the policies, professional training, operational expertise and long-term support needed to confidently build sustainable drone programs that strengthen officer safety, improve emergency response and better serve the communities that depend on them."

"Small, rural and tribal law enforcement agencies face distinct operational challenges, but they deserve access to the same level of technology, training and support as larger departments," said Mike Brown, president and executive director of the Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association. "Our members are looking for practical, cost-effective solutions that improve public safety and strengthen the capabilities of the officers already serving their communities. Through this partnership with Draganfly, the SRLEEA drone implementation and readiness program will provide agencies with a clear, responsible path to adopting drone technology, supported by trusted guidance, standardized training, proven best practices and long-term program support."

Meeting the growing need for drone readiness

Across North America, drones are becoming an essential tool for modern policing. From locating missing persons and documenting collision scenes to supporting tactical operations, disaster response, emergency management and critical incident response, unmanned aircraft are helping agencies improve response times, enhance situational awareness and make better-informed decisions during high-risk events.

Yet for many small, rural and tribal agencies, implementing a drone program remains a significant challenge. Limited staffing, evolving regulations, financing constraints and the need for specialized training can create barriers to adoption.

The SRLEEA drone implementation and readiness program addresses these challenges by providing agencies with a comprehensive implementation framework that combines nationally recognized best practices, professional training, operational guidance, trusted technology and continuing support. Together, these resources make drone adoption more accessible, sustainable and operationally effective.

Through the SRLEEA drone implementation and readiness program, participating agencies will gain access to the following:

• Policy and program development:
  • Comprehensive guidance for establishing compliant drone operations, including policy development, standard operating procedures, governance frameworks, implementation planning and operational best practices tailored specifically to the needs of small, rural and tribal law enforcement agencies;
• Training and professional development:
  • Access to FAA Part 107 preparation, hands-on flight training, mission-specific operational instruction and continuing education designed to help agencies safely build and sustain professional drone programs;
• Technology, equipment and long-term support:
  • Access to industry-leading drone platforms, sensors, software, accessories, implementation services and life cycle support through Draganfly, helping agencies deploy scalable technology solutions that meet today's operational needs while preparing for future mission requirements.

The program supports a broad range of public safety missions, including search and rescue, missing persons investigations, tactical operations, disaster response, emergency management, crime scene documentation, collision reconstruction, critical incident assessment, and community safety initiatives. By combining trusted technology with standardized implementation and continuing education, the initiative helps agencies improve operational effectiveness, enhance officer safety and better protect the communities they serve.

Full program details, course outlines and enrolment information will be available on a dedicated landing page on the company's website.

About the Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association

The Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association (SRLEEA) is the only national non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to serving the needs of small, rural and tribal law enforcement agencies. Through advocacy, leadership development, education and strategic partnerships, SRLEEA strengthens the capabilities of law enforcement executives while advancing public safety in communities across the United States.

Representing the vast majority of law enforcement agencies nationwide, the association is committed to ensuring agencies of every size have access to the resources, training, partnerships and professional support needed to meet today's evolving public safety challenges.

About Draganfly Inc.

Draganfly is a leader in cutting-edge drone solutions and software that are transforming industries and serving stakeholders globally. Recognized for innovation and excellence for over 25 years, Draganfly is an award-winning original equipment manufacturer and technology integrator to the public safety, civil, military, agriculture, industrial inspection, security, mapping and surveying markets. The company is driven by passion, ingenuity, and a mission to provide efficient solutions and first-class services to customers worldwide, saving time, money and lives.

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