Sol.One, the Belgian developer of autonomous drone systems and defense technology, has announced three major milestones in its growth strategy. The company has raised €2 million in fresh capital through equity and debt at a valuation of €750 million, led by Leviora Capital. Simultaneously, Sol.One has commenced the fit-out of a new 8,000 m² factory in Evergem, near Ghent, on August 4, 2026, to scale production to automotive-scale levels. The company has also reserved the ticker symbol 'DRONE' on the Euronext main market in view of a future initial public offering.
This funding and factory expansion represent a significant commitment to scaling manufacturing capacity for high-altitude, persistent drone platforms. Sol.One aims to rank among the top five UAV companies in Europe, leveraging its expertise in EASA-certified avionics (DO-178C, DO-254) and developing platforms like the Saboteur, Hitchhiker, and Buzzkill interceptors, along with the SolFusion data platform.
This development signals a robust demand for long-endurance, solar-capable UAS for governmental and commercial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) applications. For B2B buyers, this means increased production capacity and potentially shorter lead times for high-end drone systems. It also highlights the growing strategic importance of European manufacturing capabilities in the defense and aerospace sectors, offering alternative supply chain options. The company's participation in European and Belgian defense programs underscores its credibility and long-term stability.
CEO Filip Verhaeghe stated, 'This capital round, the launch of our new factory and the reserved ticker are three concrete building blocks of one and the same ambition: making Sol.One one of the five largest UAV companies in Europe.'
Sol.One's factory expansion and valuation reflect investor confidence in the drone manufacturing sector. For companies scaling production, supply chain agility is vital. We offer customized battery solutions for drones, enabling rapid response and cost-effective customization for small to medium production runs. Our online tool at https://tool.liion-batt.com allows engineers to filter and select optimal battery models based on specific performance parameters.
