Nuburu signs JV framework to develop NATO-compliant drones using AM
Nuburu, based in Centennial, Colorado, USA, has announced the establishment of a joint-venture company following a strategic framework agreement with Nuburu Defense LLC and Maddox Defence Inc, Houston, Texas.
Controlled by Nuburu Defense, the JV company will design, manufacture and deploy adaptable military drones for NATO and allied customers, leveraging the combined technical and operational experience of the two companies. The parties estimate that the NATO UAV defence market opportunity will be worth approximately $7-10 billion annually.
In addition to defence programmes, the JV’s 2026–2028 plan includes a comprehensive go-to-market strategy for commercial and civil-sector drone deployment.
“This framework agreement marks another pivotal step forward as Nuburu expands its presence across the defence and commercial sectors,” stated Alessandro Zamboni, executive chairman and co-CEO of Nuburu. “Our blue-laser innovation, paired with Maddox Defense’s battlefield-proven UAV design and the capabilities of our Orbit platform, positions this JV to deliver next-generation, compliant drone solutions. We also anticipate strong synergies with Tekne’s mobility technologies and client base.”
The JV anticipates reaching approximately $100 million in annual revenue by the end of 2028 and roughly $165 million cumulative across 2026–2028.
Manufacturing Approach
Operations will utilise rapid-manufacturing pods capable of deployable field fabrication through Additive Manufacturing, modular avionics, and scalable commercial components. These mobile production units enable on-demand UAV assembly and re-configuration near operational zones while remaining compliant with applicable export-control laws.
Joint venture framework
Under the strategic framework agreement, the parties intend to execute a definitive joint venture agreement (JVA) on or before December 15, 2025, establishing the JV Company under Italian law as a European-based manufacturing and research hub.
The collaboration will integrate complementary technologies for NATO-authorised programmes while maintaining full US export-control compliance. No transfer of US-controlled defence technology or classified data is contemplated; all US-origin technical information remains subject to ITAR and EAR regulations.
Key anticipated terms include:
- Nuburu Defense to contribute up to $10 million in capital funding
- Maddox Defense Incorporated to contribute eligible assets, intellectual property, and personnel, formally appraised per Italian law
- Equity ownership allocated by assessed contributions, with Nuburu Defense retaining controlling interest
- A joint Board of Directors comprising representatives from both parties
- A period of mutual exclusivity during negotiation and execution of the JVA
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“Maddox Defense is thrilled to partner with Nuburu to deliver advanced drone capabilities to NATO and civilian markets,” said Jason Maddox, Founder of Maddox Defense Incorporated. “Our Special Forces and intelligence-veteran engineering team brings combat-tested innovation and design intelligence — including direct experience supporting allied operations — that, when combined with Nuburu‘s laser systems and Orbit’s resilience tools, creates a formidable platform for global defence and security.”
“This venture enables Nuburu Defense to extend our mission-critical laser solutions into the rapidly expanding drone domain,” added Dario Barisoni, CEO of Nuburu Defense LLC. “Together with Maddox Defense, we’re aligning innovation, rapid deployment, and regulatory compliance to meet NATO-standardised operational requirements. The launch of the JV has ideal timing considering the acquisition secured with Orbit and the recent interest of the Italian Government in Tekne which has a perfect fit with the strategic and industrial alliance we have been building up with the company.”
www.maddoxdefense.com
www.nuburu.net
