Red Cat Ramps Variant 7 USV Production as Shares Surge 22%
RCAT•Red Cat’s maritime unit Blue Ops commenced full-rate production of its U.S.-built Variant 7 uncrewed surface vessel in Maine and Georgia, featuring a Steyr engine and MOSA-compliant domestic components. The stock rallied 22% on reports that the Trump administration is considering Pentagon equity stakes in U.S. drone makers.
1. Full-Rate Production of Variant 7
Blue Ops has moved the Variant 7 uncrewed surface vessel into full-rate production, with design in Maine and assembly in Valdosta, Georgia. The USV integrates a Steyr engine and a fully U.S.-sourced autonomy, command-and-control, communications, and mission systems stack compliant with NDAA requirements.
2. Modular Open Systems Architecture
The Variant 7’s MOSA framework enables rapid payload and sensor reconfiguration for intelligence, surveillance, force protection, coastal security, contested logistics, and other maritime defense missions. The platform collaborates with U.S. technology partners such as Allen Control Systems, Kymeta, and Quaze to preserve trusted supply chains and scalability.
3. Stock Rally on Pentagon Equity Talks
Shares of Red Cat surged over 22% in early trading as reports emerged that the Trump administration and the Pentagon’s Office of Strategic Capital are discussing potential equity investments in domestic drone and robotic firms. Market analysts note that favorable funding structures could accelerate Red Cat’s cash flow and R&D initiatives across its Family of Systems.
