Top Drone As First Responder (DFR) Companies In 2027
Lily Roberts
Senior Marketing Strategist - ReVerb
11.15.2026
Last updated: November 15, 2026
The top drone as first responder (DFR) companies for 2027 are Skydio for autonomous drones, docks and DFR Command software, Flock Safety for drones tied to its camera and plate reader network, BRINC for purpose-built DFR drones backed by Motorola Solutions, Axon for DFR tied to its evidence and real-time operations tools, and Paladin for fast-response drone systems. Motorola Solutions, DroneSense, Fotokite, DJI Enterprise and CentralSquare round out the list.
In a DFR program, a drone launches from a dock or rooftop when a 911 call comes in and often reaches the scene before officers, sending live video to dispatchers and responding units. Chula Vista, California started the first program in 2018, and FAA waivers for beyond visual line of sight flights have since let hundreds of agencies plan their own. Privacy policies, community input and costs are now as important as the technology.
Skydio’s X10 drone, Dock and DFR Command software form the most widely used DFR stack in the US, with integrations into the major computer-aided dispatch systems.
Its aircraft also fly in Axon’s DFR offering, so many agencies end up on Skydio hardware either way.
2. Flock Safety — DFR Built Into A Crime-Solving Network
Flock Safety bought DFR developer Aerodome in 2024 and now sells the Alpha drone, which links to its license plate readers, gunshot detection and real-time crime center software.
Agencies already using Flock cameras can add drones that launch automatically on alerts.
CentralSquare’s computer-aided dispatch software now includes a Skydio integration that puts drone launches on the dispatcher’s screen.
For agencies on CentralSquare, it removes a separate system from the DFR workflow.
How We Chose These Companies
We focused on companies that power DFR programs and weighed:
Agencies using the system and calls handled
Response times and autonomy
Integration with dispatch, video and evidence systems
Compliance, privacy controls and data ownership
Total cost and contract flexibility
How To Choose A DFR Provider
What systems do you already use?
Pick a DFR platform that integrates with your dispatch, camera, body camera and evidence systems to avoid extra screens.
Can it fly beyond visual line of sight?
DFR depends on FAA approvals for remote operations. Ask how the vendor helps secure waivers and what range they cover.
Who owns the data?
Check data retention, sharing and ownership terms, and publish clear privacy policies to keep community trust.
What does it cost over time?
Compare multi-year costs, including docks, drones, software, training and support. Some vendors now offer free first-year trials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a drone as first responder program?
A DFR program sends a drone to 911 calls, often from a dock or rooftop, so dispatchers and officers see the scene before anyone arrives.
Which city started DFR?
Chula Vista, California launched the first DFR program in 2018 and has flown tens of thousands of missions since.
How much does a DFR program cost?
Costs vary widely. City contracts reported in 2026 ranged from free one-year trials to several hundred thousand dollars a year for larger programs.
Are DFR drones a privacy risk?
They can be. Agencies should limit flights to calls for service, avoid routine surveillance and publish data retention policies.
Conclusion
Skydio, Flock Safety, BRINC and Axon lead the US DFR market, Motorola Solutions and CentralSquare bring dispatch integration, and Paladin, DroneSense, Fotokite and DJI fill out the options for different budgets and needs.
