San Diego-based defense startup Firestorm Labs has raised $8-million in Series B funding to deploy containerized manufacturing units capable of producing drones near conflict zones, according to TechCrunch.
The funding round was led by Washington Harbour Partners. Other participants included NEA, Ondas, In-Q-Tel, Lockheed Martin, Booz Allen Ventures, Geodesic, and Motley Fool Ventures.
This latest injection brings the company's total funding to $153 million. The startup aims to solve the logistical vulnerabilities faced during Pacific conflicts, where the nearest U.S. drone factories are often thousands of miles from the front lines.
Manufacturing in a shipping container
Firestorm Labs originally operated as a drone manufacturer. However, the company pivoted after customers requested production capabilities closer to active combat zones, the outlet reported.
The company's core product is xCell, a manufacturing platform housed within a shipping container. This system can 3D-print drone systems in less than 24 hours.
CEO Dan Magy stated that these drones are not limited to a single mission. Depending on requirements, they can be configured for surveillance or electronic warfare. When asked by TechCrunch if the platforms are capable of lethal operations, Magy confirmed they are.
Magy noted that all platforms are delivered to uniformed Department of Defense operational commands, who deploy them according to military doctrine.
The startup's leadership combines defense and engineering expertise. Co-founder Chad McCoy is a career special operations veteran, while CTO Ian Muceus holds more than a dozen patents in 3D printing.
The Pentagon currently classifies 'contested logistics'—the ability to move supplies under fire—as one of six national critical technology areas. Firestorm Labs generates revenue through hardware sales and government contracts across all U.S. military branches.
One existing Air Force contract has a $100 million ceiling, though only $27 million has been obligated so far. The technology is already active in the field, with two xCell units deployed domestically: one with the Air Force Research Laboratory in New York and another with Air Force Special Operations Command in Florida.
