First PBAS Delivery Completed Early as Neros Launches Archer Block 2

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 9, 2026--

Neros Technologies today confirmed its first delivery under the U.S. Army’s Purpose Built Attritable Systems (PBAS) program ahead of contract date, marking a key milestone in fielding NDAA-compliant unmanned systems at scale.

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PBAS reinforces the readiness of a secure, NDAA-compliant supply chain and Neros’ ability to support U.S. Army priorities with dependable production, trusted components, and rapid execution aligned to operational needs.

PBAS strengthens the foundation for continuous iteration alongside the Army and represents the shift from promising capability to repeatable, program-level delivery. By validating domestic production capacity, warfighters can rely on a trusted system that evolves as quickly as mission demands change.

Alongside the PBAS delivery, Neros debuts Archer Block 2, its next-generation First Person ViewFPV drone system designed for extended operational range, improved urban survivability, and mission-configurable modularity for warfighters operating in contested environments.

Block 2 expands Neros’ battle-proven FPV architecture with a modular, repairable, field-reconfigurable design that reduces lifecycle costs while increasing operational flexibility. Arms, motors, and propellors are swappable by the end user allowing for five-, eight-, and ten-inch configurations. Payloads and sensors are also end-user swappable in just minutes to support day, night, and complex urban missions. This architecture maintains the same performance and reliability standards that have defined Neros' FPV systems.

The interchangeable multi-sensor payload suite includes:

“Swappable sensors fundamentally change how FPV systems are employed,” Soren Monroe-Anderson, Neros’ CEO, said. “Instead of fielding multiple platforms for different missions, operators can reconfigure Block 2 on the ground to match the task at hand—day, night, urban, or extended-range—without slowing down or compromising capability.”

In addition to enhanced, modular FPV drones, the Block 2 system integrates Flatbow, a rugged, soldier-borne Ground Control System optimized for dismounted infantry operations. A field pack configuration enables infantry units to transport and deploy up to three FPV drones, while a displaced antenna allows pilot standoff distances of up to 150 meters, improving survivability and tactical flexibility in urban and contested terrain.

Planned future enhancements for the Block 2 system include AI-enabled terminal guidance, autonomous mission features, and aerial repeater capabilities to further extend operational range and connectivity in contested electronic warfare environments.

“At Neros, we don’t build static products—we build evolving combat systems,” Monroe-Anderson added. “Block 2 reflects our commitment to continuous iteration, rapid integration of new capabilities, and deep partnership with American and allied warfighters. Their feedback drives our roadmap, and our mission is to stay ahead of the threat alongside them.”

Neros is accepting orders now for the Block 2 FPV drone system, building on the proven production capacity and trusted, NDAA-compliant supply chain validated by this first PBAS delivery .

About Neros Technologies

Neros Technologies is a U.S.-based defense technology company focused on delivering secure, NDAA-compliant unmanned systems for modern warfighters. Designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States, Neros FPV drones and ground control systems are built to operate in contested, GPS-denied, and electronic warfare environments, and to evolve rapidly based on real-world operational feedback from American and allied forces.

Flatbow, a rugged, soldier-borne Ground Control System optimized for dismounted infantry operations.

Interchangeable multi-sensor payload suite, including electro-optical (EO) camer, downward-facing camera, EO illuminator, infrared (IR) illuminator and thermal camera.

Neros 5’ and 10” variants, providing diverse capabilities for multiple missions sets.

PAOLI, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was shot and killed by a man whom he had pulled over in a traffic stop Sunday night, authorities said.

Cpl. Tim O’Connor was killed as he approached the car when the driver fired from inside the vehicle, the state's acting police commissioner, Lt. Col. George Bivens, told an early Monday morning news conference at Paoli Hospital in Chester County.

The shooter — identified by police as Jesse Nathan Elks, 32, from nearby Honey Brook — then got out of the car, walked a short distance away and shot and killed himself with a pistol, Bivens said.

O'Connor was a 15-year-veteran of the state police who was married and had a young daughter, authorities said.

“Anybody you talk to tells you what a great guy he was,” Bivens said.

Gov. Josh Shapiro told the news conference that he told O'Connor's wife and parents that there were many questions about the shooting, “but the one thing that we absolutely know for certain is that their son, their husband, was a hero and he died protecting others."

“That is a noble calling and that is something we are profoundly grateful for,” Shapiro said.

O'Connor had been on patrol shortly after 8 p.m. Sunday night when a call came in for an erratic driver. O'Connor was dispatched and reported minutes later that he had pulled over the car at an intersection in West Caln Township, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) west of Philadelphia.

“That is the last we heard from Corporal O’Connor," Bivens said.

He didn't respond to ensuing radio calls and troopers dispatched to the scene to check on him “found a very bad situation,” Bivens said.

Police and Chester County authorities were investigating, Bivens said.

Chester County's district attorney, Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe, said investigators will look into Elk's background and motives.

Shapiro ordered U.S. and state flags to fly at half-staff to honor O’Connor.

FILE - In this March 6, 2015 photo, a sign marks the location of the barracks for the Pennsylvania State Police in Blooming Grove Township, Pa. (AP Photo/Michael Rubinkam, file)