Evolver DFR Debuts a Complete Drone as 1st Responder Program for Public Safety Agencies

October 22, 2026

Evolver DFR, powered by Drone Nerds, a division of XTI Aerospace, Inc. (NASDAQ: XTIA), today launched its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, which gives police, fire, and emergency agencies everything they need to confidently send a drone to an emergency call. The solution debuts this week at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Exposition in Orlando.

Evolver DFR integrates the Parrot ANAFI UKR GOV aircraft, the DBOX PRT autonomous docking station, and SkyfireAI's FlyAura public safety software into one purpose-built emergency response system. Within minutes of a call, the Evolver DFR solution puts real-time aerial video and data in front of dispatchers and commanders, improving situational awareness, protecting responders, and helping departments send resources where they are needed most.

"Launching a DFR program involves more than purchasing a drone. Agencies need the aircraft, software, infrastructure, training, and ongoing support to make the system part of their daily operations," said Jeremy Schneiderman, Interim CEO of XTI Aerospace and CEO of Drone Nerds. "Evolver DFR brings those pieces together through a single solution."

Parrot ANAFI UKR GOV, Blue UAS approved, carries wide and telephoto cameras with 35x zoom and a 640 thermal sensor, uses AES-256 encryption on its radio links, and is FIPS 140-2 compliant. It launches from and returns to the DBOX, a climate-controlled docking station, built specifically for the aircraft, that recharges it between flights and operates in heat, cold, and rain. FlyAura software lets authorized users fly missions, stream live video, and share a common operating picture from a web browser, with TAK integration and a searchable record of every flight.

"The ANAFI UKR GOV was designed to deliver mission-critical aerial intelligence in demanding operational environments. Through our collaboration with DBOX, SkyfireAI and Drone Nerds, agencies can now deploy a fully integrated DFR solution that combines secure autonomous operations, thermal imaging, and long-range visual capabilities in a streamlined platform built specifically for public safety," said Chris Roberts, Senior Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer of Parrot.

"We know a dock is only valuable if it is ready every time a call comes in," said Dr. Linas Gelazanskas, CEO at DBOX. "We engineered the DBOX PRT around the ANAFI UKR so the two work as one system in any weather. Together, we called it Evolver DFR."

Evolver DFR goes well beyond buying equipment. The solution team guides each agency from the first needs assessment through coverage planning, site selection, installation, system integration, and training. It also supports agencies through FAA approval processes, including Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) authorizations, so new programs are ready to operate safely and in compliance.

Built around proven public safety workflows, Evolver DFR gives departments automated dispatch, remote operations, live video streaming, advanced imaging, and real-time information sharing. Incident commanders can assess threats earlier, coordinate personnel more effectively, avoid unnecessary deployments, and make better-informed decisions before responders arrive on scene.

Every program includes Always Flying™ by Drone Nerds, which provides expedited replacement aircraft when equipment is damaged, along with dedicated technical support, maintenance resources, and operational help. Always Flying minimizes downtime so departments can count on aerial response when their communities need it most.

Unlike traditional DFR offerings built around ongoing subscriptions, Evolver DFR lets agencies buy a complete, multi-year program covering multiple locations on a single purchase order. With no recurring subscription fees for the contracted solution, departments gain predictable budgets, simpler procurement, and the flexibility to expand coverage while keeping long-term costs under control.

"The future of Drone as First Responder isn't just about getting an aircraft in the air. It's about what happens before, during, and after every mission," said Don Mathis, CEO of SkyfireAI. "With FlyAura, we're bringing AI-assisted mission planning, remote flight operations, and real-time intelligence together in one platform. Combined with SkyfireAI's operational expertise, Evolver DFR gives agencies the flexibility to manage their own programs or rely on our team to operate them. That's how we move DFR beyond individual deployments and make it a scalable, everyday public safety capability."

Source : XTI Aerospace