U.S. Air Force Buys Chimera FPV Drones for Special Unit

Why It Matters

The contract accelerates the wing’s ISR and strike capabilities while preserving trained personnel, highlighting a shift toward agile, cost‑effective COTS solutions in U.S. special operations.

Key Takeaways

• Sole‑source contract awarded to Oak Grove Technologies.
• Chimera sUAS supports 1st Special Operations Wing urgent need.
• Existing Chimera training avoids costly re‑certification delays.
• FPV drones provide rapid ISR and kinetic strike capabilities.
• System leverages commercial‑off‑the‑shelf tech for cost efficiency.

Pulse Analysis

The Air Force’s decision to procure Chimera FPV drones reflects a broader trend of integrating commercial‑off‑the‑shelf (COTS) technologies into mission‑critical military platforms. By issuing a single‑source justification, the service bypasses a lengthy competitive process, ensuring the 1st Special Operations Wing can field the system on an accelerated timeline. Oak Grove Technologies holds exclusive production and training rights, positioning it as the sole provider capable of delivering both hardware and the certified operator curriculum required for immediate deployment.

Operationally, the Chimera family—available in 5‑inch, 7‑inch, and 10‑inch configurations—offers high‑speed, low‑altitude flight with real‑time first‑person‑view control. These attributes make the drones ideal for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as kinetic strike training where precision and rapid response are paramount. The existing cadre of Chimera‑trained operators eliminates the need for a costly retraining cycle, preserving valuable expertise and reducing downtime. Moreover, the system’s modular kit, which includes rugged cases, spare propellers, and high‑capacity batteries, supports austere environments and quick turnaround between sorties.

Strategically, the acquisition signals a growing confidence in COTS solutions to meet specialized defense needs. By leveraging commercially available components, the Air Force reduces acquisition costs while maintaining performance standards. This approach may set a precedent for other branches seeking to modernize their unmanned capabilities without the overhead of bespoke development programs. As the defense sector continues to prioritize speed, flexibility, and fiscal responsibility, contracts like the Chimera purchase could become a template for future rapid‑fielding initiatives.

U.S. Air Force buys Chimera FPV drones for special unit

By Colton Jones · Feb 11 2026

Chimera small unmanned aerial system. (Oak Grove Technologies pic)

Key Points

• The U.S. Air Force issued a sole‑source justification to procure Chimera small unmanned aerial systems from Oak Grove Technologies for the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field.

• The justification cites an urgent requirement and existing AFSOC‑approved training on the Chimera platform, stating that no other authorized source is available.

The United States Air Force is buying Chimera small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) from Oak Grove Technologies under a sole‑source justification to meet an urgent operational requirement for the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

According to a “Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)” document published Feb. 10 2026, the acquisition covers “Chimera Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) and misc spare parts and supporting accessories” and will be awarded on a firm‑fixed‑price basis to Oak Grove Technologies, LLC.

The contracting activity is listed as 1 SOCONS, a component of the 1st Special Operations Wing (1 SOW), which identified the Chimera Group‑1 sUAS as the most viable platform to meet an accelerated schedule. The document states that the unit “has an urgent and compelling need” and that the squadron has already established “an initial cadre of operators, who are trained and certified on the Chimera system through the AFSOC‑approved Oak Grove Technologies Initial Training Course”.

The justification explains that procuring any other system would “render this existing expertise obsolete and require the unit to restart the entire training and certification process, introducing unacceptable delays”.

The document states that Oak Grove Technologies “holds the exclusive rights to the production, sale, and training for this system,” and that “competition for this procurement is not available”.

According to information published on the company’s website, Oak Grove Technologies offers a family of three Chimera first‑person‑view (FPV) drones: Chimera 5, Chimera 7, and Chimera 10. The Chimera Drone Kit includes the selected drone in 5‑inch, 7‑inch, or 10‑inch configuration, FPV goggles for immersive control, a rugged transport case, spare propellers, high‑capacity batteries, a fast charger, and a controller with a real‑time video feed.

The company describes the system as designed for rapid deployment and precise performance for U.S. Army Special Operations Command missions. Oak Grove Technologies states that its Chimera drones are a cost‑effective commercial‑off‑the‑shelf FPV system developed specifically for government clients. The drones are presented as delivering speed, agility, and precision for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations, and are marketed for military UAS training, tactical drone training, and ISR mission support.

The Chimera system is described in the justification as “mission‑critical and essential for training forces in kinetic strike capabilities to meet the demonstration timeline”.