Irvine-based companies Lantronix and Mobix Labs are pivoting further toward drone development to meet the urgent demand for low-cost unmanned weapons spurred by the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.
Lantronix, focused on Edge AI and computer networking components, said March 19 it is partnering with Unusual Machines of Orlando, Florida, to develop federally compliant AI-autonomous drone components for U.S. Defense Department programs.
The collaboration integrates Lantronix’s Edge-AI compute platform with Unusual Machines’ flight systems to accelerate expandable U.S. drone systems that support national security and critical-infrastructure priorities (Nasdaq: LTRX).
Lantronix marketing chief Gail Miller said the move “marks another important milestone in our ongoing focus on the AI-autonomous drone market.”
Shares in Lantronix have nearly tripled in value over the past 12 months and were trading at $5.45 apiece for an intraday market cap of $216 million on April 6.
Lantronix in early February increased fiscal year 2026 drone revenue expectation to a range of $8 million-$12 million, up from the prior range of $5 million-$10 million
Mobix Labs Strategic Commitment
Also in Irvine, Mobix Labs said March 31 it is a making a “strategic growth commitment” to the rapidly expanding drone market.
The company said the drone initiative is supported by Mobix Labs’ core strengths in wireless connectivity, sensing technologies, and high-performance systems for demanding environments.
“We are already engaged in two drone-related projects and are refocusing our M&A efforts on complementary drone-related opportunities,” CEO Phil Sansone said in a statement announcing the initiative (Nasdaq: MOBX).
Mobix Labs’ drone-based airborne sensing platform combines high-precision sensors, autonomous flight capability and integrated analytics to support automated inspection across rail, utility and industrial environments. The company focuses on the defense, aerospace, and “high-reliability markets.”
While President Donald Trump announced a temporary ceasefire in the Iran conflict on April 7, the demand for drones will stay strong.
Drone-Related Boom in OC
There is a drone development boom among Orange County companies.
Hard-charging Anduril Industries, based in Costa Mesa, is among the forerunners of military drone development.
Dzyne Technologies in Irvine has been developing drone interceptors and the Dronebuster technology to ward off incoming threats (see article in the upcoming April 20 edition).
