KRM secures first drone component supply deal with Hoverfly

KRM has officially entered the U.S. military drone market, beginning exports of “K-Defense” components.

KRM announced on the 3rd that it had signed its first supply contract for high-performance motors and electronic speed controller (ESC) systems with Hoverfly Technologies Inc., a leading U.S. tethered-drone company. The products will be exported under the name “Hoverfly Motors - powered by KRM.” The deal is significant as a partnership built on trusted procurement and meeting defense-grade manufacturing and quality standards.

The contract covers a full range of propulsion solutions—the “heart” of a drone—including four high-performance BLDC motor models (BL8950, BL4416, BL4229 and BL2819), as well as ESC AIO (All-in-One) and single-channel ESC products. In particular, the agreement includes ESC products that determine flight performance and stability, reflecting an assessment that KRM’s drone control algorithms and drive technology meet the demanding requirements of the U.S. defense market.

Hoverfly is the only tethered-drone manufacturer on the U.S. Department of Defense’s Blue UAS Cleared List, having met its stringent security, supply chain and performance requirements. The company has also delivered more than 600 drones to the U.S. Army and maintains an NDAA-compliant framework through the Green UAS pathway. By supplying key components for Hoverfly’s defense-certified tethered-drone platform, KRM will demonstrate its technology and production capabilities in operational environments for defense unmanned systems.

The deal also carries broader implications for the market and policy environment. As supply chain transparency, security and reliable procurement become increasingly important in the global unmanned systems market, the United States is strengthening domestic manufacturing and building “trusted supply chains.” KRM plans to use its reliable production and supply capabilities and strong product performance to expand its position as a trusted technology partner in the U.S. defense unmanned systems ecosystem.

KRM CEO Park Gwang-sik said, “This is a highly significant milestone, as KRM’s drone propulsion technologies, including motors and ESCs, have begun reaching the U.S., the world’s largest defense market. Going forward, KRM will continue to strengthen its global standing as a key technology partner in the U.S. defense unmanned systems ecosystem, moving beyond the role of a drone component supplier.”