ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 20, 2026--
SIRBAI today announced the official launch of the Middle East’s first AI-powered autonomous drone swarm technology at UMEX 2026 - a global exhibition platform for unmanned systems and autonomous capabilities - marking the company’s entry into the defense technology sector. Designed for unmanned aerial systems (UAS), the platform enables multiple drones to operate collaboratively with a high degree of autonomy, even in complex and contested environments. As the first company in the region to offer this advanced capability, SIRBAI is set to redefine the modern battlefield with innovative and scalable autonomous technology, establishing new standards for resilient and operator-friendly mission systems for modern defense operations.
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SIRBAI enters the market as a leader in defense autonomy and intelligent swarm technologies. Developed by over 40 engineers in AI, autonomy, and robotics, SIRBAI builds on advanced research developed in Abu Dhabi, including capabilities originating from the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). SIRBAI’s mission is to help nations develop secure and resilient defense systems through practical, AI-enabled autonomous swarm technology. Its software-first model and fully in-house technology stack enable rapid capability development, high security assurance, and operational flexibility across deployment environments.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj,Chief Executive Officer at TII, said: “The launch of SIRBAI’s next-generation swarm technology marks an important milestone for the region’s defense technology ecosystem. By combining advanced AI with autonomous drone operations, SIRBAI is setting a new benchmark for resilient, operator-centric mission systems. TII is proud to support this achievement, which reflects our shared commitment to delivering advanced technologies that strengthen national security and enhance defense capabilities globally.”
The launch introduces a scalable, operator-friendly approach to autonomous swarm operations, supporting defense missions ranging from surveillance and protection to advanced manned-unmanned teaming. By integrating AI-driven mission planning, distributed decision-making, and real-time coordination, SIRBAI’s platform reduces operator workload while improving mission effectiveness and resilience. The modular, end-to-end system consolidates mission planning, command, and swarm execution into a single platform, accelerating decision cycles and enabling efficient control of drone fleets with lower cognitive burden.
Dr. Dario Albani,Chief Technology Officer at SIRBAI, said: “SIRBAI bridges the gap between human intent and autonomous mission execution, enabling seamless coordination across manned and unmanned systems. Our platform ensures resilient autonomy, continuous information flow, and agile response in rapidly changing and demanding environments. By keeping operators and autonomous assets connected and working together, SIRBAI delivers the reliability and operational advantage needed for modern missions.”
Designed for operational impact and future-ready scalability, SIRBAI’s technology integrates seamlessly across a wide range of platforms, from compact tactical drones to advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). Built for contested and GPS-denied environments, the system uses resilient navigation to sustain coordinated swarm operations under jamming or degraded connectivity, while maintaining operator oversight when required.
Source:AETOSWire
SIRBAI Launches Middle East’s First AI-Powered Autonomous Drone Swarm Technology at UMEX 2026 (Photo: AETOSWire)
ARMADA, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 2, 2026--
From hard cider and ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails to zero-proof innovation and beyond-beer disruption, Blake’s Beverage Company is doubling down on growth, and bringing in proven leadership to help fuel it. The company today announced the appointment of Amanda Gleason as Chief Sales Officer, a newly established role designed to unify and accelerate sales strategy across Blake’s rapidly expanding national portfolio.
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In her new role, Gleason will oversee a unified national sales strategy spanning the company’s three brand families: Blake's Hard Cider, Austin Eastciders and Avid Cider Co. A key priority for Gleason will be expanding the company’s distributor footprint and strengthening route-to-market execution nationwide. Blake’s Beverage Company currently works with more than 240 distributors across 44 states and continues to identify strategic opportunities to grow share and visibility in priority and white-space markets.
“Blake’s Beverage Company is entering its next era of growth with a sharpened focus on national expansion, portfolio development and channel innovation. Amanda brings exactly the kind of commercial leadership and growth mindset we need as we continue scaling Blake’s Beverage Company nationally,” said Andrew Blake, founder and CEO of Blake’s Beverage Company. “She understands how to build momentum across complex portfolios, strengthen distributor partnerships and unlock growth in evolving beverage channels. Just as importantly, she shares our belief that brands win when they stay authentic, consumer-focused and relentlessly innovative.”
In addition to leading national sales operations, Gleason will architect the company’s total portfolio strategy, helping position its premium, value, regional and innovation-driven offerings to drive deeper penetration across underdeveloped channels, particularly in convenience, where the company sees significant long-term opportunity across multiple price tiers and occasions.
By capitalizing on emerging beverage platforms, Blake’s is well-positioned for continued growth. These platforms include Blake’s Zero Proof, the company’s fast-growing non-alcoholic line crafted for modern drinking occasions, and Giddy Up, its recently launched spirit-forward punch brand designed to meet rising demand for bold, flavor-driven RTD experiences. The company is also preparing for the Summer 2026 launch of Shore Thing.
"Blake's Beverage Company has built a portfolio with real authenticity, strong consumer appeal, and significant runway for growth," said Gleason. "I was drawn to the company's entrepreneurial spirit, its willingness to think differently, and the opportunity to help scale the business nationally through strong distributor partnerships and disciplined execution in the market."
Gleason will also lead a comprehensive assessment of the company’s distribution network with an eye to strengthening distributor alignment and improving velocity in high-priority markets as Blake’s Beverage Company continues its rapid national growth trajectory.
Gleason joins Blake’s Beverage Company from Constellation Brands, where she served as Senior Vice President leading commercial performance across a 15-state footprint.
Founded on a family orchard in Armada, Blake’s Beverage Company has evolved into one of the nation’s fastest-growing independent beverage platforms, with a portfolio spanning hard cider, ready-to-drink cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages and emerging beyond-beer innovation.
About Blake’s Beverage Company
Blake’s Beverage Company is a leading craft beverage producer with a family of brands committed to quality, innovation and authentic fruit-forward flavor. With roots on a 1,000- acre orchard in Armada, Mich., Blake’s Beverage Company now includes Blake’s Hard Cider, Austin Eastciders and AVID Cider Co. As the company continues to expand its national footprint, Blake’s Beverage Company remains grounded in its farm crafted origins – bringing bold, fruit-forward beverages to consumers across the country.
Amanda Gleason, new Chief Sales Officer at Blake's Beverage Company
