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ZenaTech's ZenaDrone Initiates Defense-focused Quantum Navigation System for GPS-Denied Drone Operations

MWN-AI** Summary

ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA), a technology innovator based in Vancouver, has announced an exciting new initiative through its subsidiary ZenaDrone: the development of a revolutionary quantum navigation system. This cutting-edge technology aims to enable drone operations in environments where GPS signals are compromised, paving the way for secure and autonomous missions in defense applications, particularly for the ZenaDrone 1000—a heavy-lift drone designed for roles such as Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), specialized cargo transport, and border patrol.

CEO Dr. Shaun Passley emphasized that operating without GPS is crucial for modern defense operations, stating that the next-generation quantum navigation capability will enhance autonomous systems where traditional methods fail. This quantum navigation system leverages principles of quantum physics to provide ultra-precise navigation, utilizing AI for path corrections. This self-contained system is expected to be vital not only for defense but also for commercial applications in GPS-denied environments, such as urban areas and complex indoor facilities.

ZenaDrone is currently in the initial research and development phase, focusing on integrating this quantum capability into its drone platforms. The versatile ZenaDrone 1000 is particularly engineered for various defense missions, providing real-time surveillance and secure data collection. Its modular design allows for rapid configuration, further enhancing its utility in challenging environments.

Overall, ZenaTech's initiative positions it as a potential leader in a market increasingly reliant on advanced drone technology, targeting both military and civilian sectors while addressing the challenges posed by GPS vulnerabilities. As technology evolves, ZenaTech's strategic investments in R&D underscore its commitment to supporting defense and commercial interests, aligning with emerging trends in autonomous systems.

MWN-AI** Analysis

ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) is making significant strides with its recent announcement regarding the development of a quantum navigation system for its ZenaDrone subsidiary. This advancement targets a crucial niche: drone operations in GPS-denied environments, particularly relevant for defense applications. The integration of quantum technology in drone navigation offers a competitive edge, enabling reliable functionality in scenarios where traditional GPS systems fail due to interference or signal loss.

From an investment perspective, ZenaTech's focus on innovative solutions places it at the forefront of the rapidly evolving drone and defense technology sectors. The ZenaDrone 1000, designed for critical missions, serves a dual purpose in defense and commercial applications— bolstering its revenue potential. As defense budgets expand amid global security challenges, ZenaTech stands to benefit from increased contracts in ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and other strategic operations.

Investors should closely monitor the company's research and development progress. The successful transition from concept to execution will be vital; delays or complications could impact stock performance. ZenaTech’s emphasis on R&D aligns with industry trends favoring technologies that enhance mission capabilities—this is a promising sign for future revenue growth.

Additionally, as ZenaTech expands its Drone as a Service (DaaS) offerings and scales its global presence, the operational diversification may mitigate risks associated with reliance on any single market. However, potential investors must also consider external risks such as competitive pressures, regulatory environments, and geopolitical factors that could affect defense contracts.

In summary, ZenaTech presents a compelling investment opportunity due to its innovative approach to drone technology and alignment with defense sector needs, but investors should remain vigilant regarding execution risks and market conditions.

**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.

Source: GlobeNewswire

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) ("ZenaTech"), a technology solution provider specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that its drone subsidiary ZenaDrone has initiated the development of a quantum navigation system designed to enable secure drone operations in GPS-denied and satellite-compromised environments. The system will initially support ZenaDrone 1000, the company’s multifunction heavy-lift drone for use in defense applications including ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance), specialized cargo, and border patrol. Future scalability is also planned across the company’s IQ series drone platforms.

“The ability to operate autonomously in GPS-denied environments is an operational imperative for modern defense,” said Shaun Passley, Ph.D., ZenaTech CEO. “We are committed to supporting U.S. defense and national security interests with technology that performs where conventional systems fail. We see quantum navigation as a cornerstone capability that will define the next generation of autonomous systems for defense, and we are making the strategic investments in the R&D needed to enable our future leadership as the industry evolves."

Quantum navigation systems are considered next-generation, self-contained and ultra-precise motion sensing systems that enable reliable navigation without GPS by using quantum physics–based principles and sensors. As defense operational landscapes evolve, defense missions increasingly face environments where GPS and satellite signals cannot be relied upon, whether due to jamming, spoofing, or other contested conditions. These navigation systems fuse quantum inertial measurement with AI-driven path correction, enabling sustained and accurate positioning over extended mission periods without reliance on external signals. Quantum navigation can also benefit commercial drones operating in GPS-challenged environments such as in dense urban corridors, indoor industrial facilities, underground sites, and long-range BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight) missions.

The Company’s R&D team is at the initial stages of development focused on incorporating this capability into the ZenaDrone 1000, and management expects to advance through research and development, drone integration, and testing phases which will involve multifunctional teams in due time. The quantum navigation system is expected to be integrated into ZenaDrone’s defense and commercial drone platforms, enhancing capabilities for surveillance, critical infrastructure inspection, and defense missions.

The ZenaDrone 1000 is engineered as an advanced AI-powered VTOL heavy-lift platform optimized for defense use, offering ISR capabilities including real-time surveillance, tactical reconnaissance, and secure data collection, alongside cargo transport and mission-critical payload delivery. Its modular design allows rapid configuration for multi-mission operations in high-risk environments, from infrastructure monitoring to operational logistics support.

About ZenaTech

ZenaTech (Nasdaq: ZENA) (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) is a technology company specializing in AI drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions for mission-critical applications for business, government and defense. Since 2017, the Company has leveraged its software development expertise and grown its drone design and manufacturing capabilities through ZenaDrone, to innovate and improve customer inspection, monitoring, safety, security, compliance, and surveying processes. With enterprise software customers using branded solutions in law enforcement, government, and industrial sectors, and drones being implemented in these plus agriculture, defense, and logistics sectors, ZenaTech’s portfolio of solutions helps drive speed, accuracy, and cost savings. The Company operates through global offices in North America, Europe, Taiwan, and UAE, and is growing its DaaS business and global network of locations through acquisitions.

About ZenaDrone  

ZenaDrone, a wholly owned subsidiary of ZenaTech, develops and manufactures autonomous drone solutions that can incorporate machine learning software, AI, predictive modeling, Quantum Computing, and other software and hardware innovations. Created to revolutionize the hemp farming sector, its specialization has grown to multifunctional drone solutions for surveying, monitoring, inspection, tracking, process automation, and defense applications. Currently, the ZenaDrone 1000 drone is used for crop management applications and critical field cargo applications in the defense sector, the IQ Nano indoor drone is used for inventory management and security in the warehouse and logistics sectors, the IQ Square is an outdoor drone designed for power washing and inspections use in commercial and government sectors, and the IQ Quad is for land surveys.

Contacts for more information:

Company, Investors, and Media:

Linda Montgomery

ZenaTech

312-241-1415

investors@zenatech.com

Investors:

Michael Mason

CORE IR

investors@zenatech.com

Safe Harbor

This press release and related comments by management of ZenaTech, Inc. include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws and applicable Canadian securities laws. These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This forward-looking information relates to future events or future performance of ZenaTech and reflects management’s expectations and projections regarding ZenaTech’s growth, results of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terminology such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “aim”, “seek”, “is/are likely to”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking information in this document includes, but is not limited to ZenaTech’s expectations regarding its revenue, expenses, production, operations, costs, cash flows, and future growth; expectations with respect to future production costs and capacity; ZenaTech's ability to deliver products to the market as currently contemplated, including its drone products including ZenaDrone 1000, IQ Square and IQ Nano; ZenaTech's ability to develop products for markets as currently contemplated; ZenaTech’s anticipated cash needs and it’s needs for additional financing; ZenaTech’s intention to grow the business and its operations and execution risk; expectations with respect to future operations and costs; the volatility of stock prices and market conditions in the industries in which ZenaTech operates; political, economic, environmental, tax, security, and other risks associated with operating in emerging markets; regulatory risks; unfavorable publicity or consumer perception; difficulty in forecasting industry trends; the ability to hire key personnel; the competitive conditions of the industry and the competitive and business strategies of ZenaTech; ZenaTech’s expected business objectives for the next twelve months; ZenaTech’s ability to obtain additional funds through the sale of equity or debt commitments; investment capital and market share; the ability to complete any contemplated acquisitions; changes in the target markets; market uncertainty; ability to access additional capital, including through the listing of its securities in various jurisdictions; management of growth (plans and timing for expansion); patent infringement; litigation; applicable laws, regulations, and any amendments affecting the business of ZenaTech and other related risks ???and uncertainties disclosed under the ?heading “Risk Factors“ ????in the Company’s Form F-1, Form 20-F and other filings filed ???with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on EDGAR through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes ???no obligation to update forward-?looking ????information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-???looking information represents ?????managements’ best judgment based on information currently available. ???No forward-looking ????statement ?can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. ???Accordingly, readers ????are advised not to ?place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or ???information.?


FAQ**

How does ZenaTech Inc. ZENA plan to secure funding for the R&D initiatives necessary to develop its quantum navigation system for the ZenaDrone 1000, and what implications might this have for future growth?

ZenaTech Inc. plans to secure funding for its quantum navigation system R&D through strategic partnerships, government grants, and private investments, which could enhance innovation capabilities and position the company for significant future growth in the drone technology sector.

What competitive advantages does ZenaTech Inc. ZENA anticipate from integrating quantum navigation with AI-driven path correction in terms of operational effectiveness in defense applications?

ZenaTech Inc. anticipates that integrating quantum navigation with AI-driven path correction will enhance operational effectiveness in defense applications through improved precision, reduced response times, and superior adaptability to dynamic environments.

Given the increasing reliance on drones in defense, how does ZenaTech Inc. ZENA differentiate its offerings, particularly the ZenaDrone 1000, from existing drone solutions in the market?

ZenaTech Inc. differentiates the ZenaDrone 1000 by integrating advanced AI capabilities for enhanced automation, superior endurance and payload capacity, alongside robust cybersecurity features, making it uniquely suited for complex defense applications compared to existing competitors.

What risks does ZenaTech Inc. ZENA foresee in developing the quantum navigation system, particularly related to regulatory compliance and technological innovation within defense sectors?

ZenaTech Inc. anticipates risks in developing the quantum navigation system, including potential regulatory hurdles that may delay approval and the challenge of keeping pace with rapid technological advancements and stringent compliance requirements within defense sectors.

**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about ZenaTech Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA).

ZenaTech Inc.

NASDAQ: ZENA

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