Burnet County, Texas — March 30th, 2026 — Granite Defense & Technologies is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Drone Pilot Inc. to expand advanced unmanned aircraft training, operational readiness, and mission support capabilities for public safety, government, and critical infrastructure organizations.
This partnership brings together Granite Defense’s nationally recognized expertise in robotics testing, operational training, and scenario-based evaluation at Reveille Proving Grounds with Drone Pilot Inc.’s capabilities in pilot development, aviation training, and scalable program delivery.
Together, the organizations will deliver:
- Advanced UAS Training Programs for public safety and government operators
- Skydio X10 and autonomous system certification pathways
- Scenario-based operational training in real-world environments
- Program development support for agencies deploying drone operations
- Ongoing operational readiness and sustainment support
“Granite Defense was built around the idea that training should occur in environments that reflect real-world operational complexity,” said Tom Prentice, CEO of Granite Defense & Technologies. “Partnering with Drone Pilot Inc. allows us to scale that capability while maintaining a high standard of operational realism and mission readiness.”
Drone Pilot Inc.’s training programs are led by Owner and Lead Instructor John Buell, a 26-year retired veteran of the Austin Police Department and the founder of APD’s UAS Program and Tactical UAS Operations. His operational experience and leadership in building one of the region’s pioneering public safety drone programs bring a proven, mission-driven approach to pilot development and tactical drone integration.
“This partnership enables us to combine deep operational training environments with proven pilot development methodologies,” said John Buell. “Together, we’re equipping agencies with the skills and confidence required to deploy advanced drone systems effectively in real-world missions.”
Training and joint offerings will be conducted at Reveille Proving Grounds, Granite Defense’s purpose-built training and evaluation facility located in Burnet County, Texas, as well as through mobile and agency-hosted training programs.
This partnership reinforces both organizations’ commitment to supporting public safety, emergency response, and national security missions through practical, scalable, and mission-focused drone operations.
About Granite Defense & Technologies
Granite Defense & Technologies LLC provides advanced technology solutions focused on robotics, autonomous systems, and operational training for public safety, government, and critical infrastructure sectors. Headquartered at Reveille Proving Grounds in Texas, Granite specializes in scenario-based testing, evaluation, and training aligned with real-world mission requirements.
About Drone Pilot Inc.
Drone Pilot Inc. specializes in unmanned aircraft training, pilot certification, and aviation program support, delivering scalable solutions for organizations deploying drone technologies across commercial, public safety, and government applications. The company is led by John Buell, whose extensive law enforcement and UAS program leadership experience has helped shape modern public safety drone operations.
