Orqa Raises €12.7M Series A to Scale FPV Drone Tech

Why It Matters

The investment positions Orqa to become a key supplier of cost‑effective unmanned systems, reshaping how militaries counter inexpensive drone threats and modernising air‑defence postures.

Key Takeaways

• Orqa raised €12.7M Series A led by Expeditions.
• Funding targets global expansion, production, R&D, acquisitions.
• Total capital now €20.41M after prior €5.8M round.
• Orqa's FPV drones aim to counter low-cost aerial threats.
• Founder advocates integrating cheap drones into NATO battalions.

Pulse Analysis

Orqa, the Croatian start‑up that has become a leading name in first‑person‑view (FPV) drone hardware, announced a €12.7 million Series A round in March 2026. Led by Expeditions, the round also brought in Lightspeed Venture Partners, Taiwania Capital and other European investors, pushing the company’s total capital to €20.41 million. The infusion is earmarked for scaling manufacturing in Europe and the United States, expanding the R&D team, and launching a new brand strategy. For a firm that began in 2018, the funding marks a decisive step from niche hobbyist market to global commercial and defence supplier.

The timing aligns with a broader shift in modern warfare, where inexpensive unmanned aerial systems are challenging traditional air‑defence doctrines. Orqa’s co‑founder Srđan Kovačević has warned that NATO’s reliance on costly missiles to neutralise low‑cost drones is unsustainable, advocating instead for “organic” unmanned capability embedded within frontline units. Orqa’s FPV platform, which combines lightweight airframes, digital video transmission and modular payloads, directly addresses this need, offering a cost‑effective reconnaissance and precision‑strike solution that can be fielded at battalion scale.

With the new capital, Orqa plans to double its production capacity, explore strategic acquisitions, and deepen its presence in the United States defence ecosystem. The move could accelerate adoption of its drones by European security forces and NATO allies seeking attritable aerial assets. Analysts see the Series A as validation of the growing market for affordable UAVs, positioning Orqa to capture a share of the projected multi‑billion‑dollar defence drone segment. Continued investment in software integration and autonomous capabilities will be critical to sustaining competitive advantage.

Deal Summary

Croatian drone maker Orqa announced a €12.7 million Series A round led by Expeditions, with participation from AYMO Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Taiwania Capital and Radius Capital. The funding will be used to expand production, boost R&D, and support global expansion, including potential strategic acquisitions.