AgEagle Aerial Systems isn’t just flying - they’re soaring. Under the leadership of CEO Bill Irby, a United States Naval Academy alum with decades of experience in uncrewed air systems and ISR technologies, AgEagle is pushing boundaries in commercial, defense, and public safety drone applications.

We sat down with Irby in June 2025 to learn how the company is navigating the skies, influencing drone regulations, and preparing for the next wave of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.

From Farms to Defense: AgEagle’s Expanding Horizon

AgEagle started in agriculture, helping farmers map fields and monitor crops with its eBee line of drones. The flagship eBee X is a fixed-wing powerhouse, capable of flying 90 minutes and covering roughly 2,500 acres in a single flight. Its versatility spans precision agriculture, urban planning, disaster response, and even defense. The eBee X is approved for Operations Over People (OOP) and BVLOS, giving AgEagle a head start in the regulatory landscape.

Beyond the eBee X, AgEagle offers specialized drones:

• eBee TAC: Designed for government and public safety, it’s on the Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue UAS Cleared List.
• eBee VISION: A military-grade drone with deployable sensors for real-time situational awareness, recently sold to Paraguay.

The company also develops MicaSense sensors—RGB, thermal, multispectral, and panchromatic—that enable precise monitoring of crops, soil, and even environmental hazards like Japan’s red tide pollution. Software like eMotion and Measure Ground Control rounds out their suite, automating flights and data processing.

Leading the BVLOS Revolution

BVLOS operations have long been restricted under FAA Part 107, but the forthcoming Part 108 rule promises a game-changing shift. AgEagle is at the forefront of this change, actively engaging with Washington policymakers and the White House to help shape the rule. Once finalized, Part 108 will allow long-range, complex missions without special waivers—opening doors for infrastructure inspections, large-scale deliveries, and public safety programs.

AgEagle’s BVLOS-ready drones are already ahead of the curve, and the company’s ongoing R&D efforts in Switzerland and the U.S. are focused on integrating advanced Detect-and-Avoid systems and secure communication links to meet these new standards.

Walmart and the Commercial Drone Boom

The drone market is accelerating, and Walmart’s expansion of its delivery service to five U.S. cities—Dallas, Tampa, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Charlotte—is a clear signal. For companies like AgEagle, this represents a huge opportunity to provide reliable, BVLOS-capable platforms that can handle real-world commercial demand.

Innovation Meets Tax Incentives

AgEagle is also leveraging technology like 3D printing, which can enhance R&D efficiency and even qualify for the permanent Research & Development Tax Credit. From prototyping to preproduction, these advances help the company stay innovative while supporting its bottom line.

Looking Ahead

AgEagle is more than a drone company—it’s a driving force in the industry, blending cutting-edge technology with strategic regulatory engagement and global expansion. Under Bill Irby’s guidance, the company is perfectly positioned to lead the next era of aerial intelligence, commercial delivery, and defense operations.

The sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning.

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