SIRAS: An Unexpected Turn and What Lies Ahead

At Lone Star Drone, we have always believed that pairing our clients with the most capable and innovative aerial technology is essential to mission success. Our goal is not simply to offer products but to provide real solutions that meet the complex demands of professionals working in public safety, inspection, surveying, and infrastructure monitoring. Over the years, SIRAS, manufactured by Teledyne FLIR, has stood out as one of the most versatile and reliable platforms we have offered. It has consistently provided dependable performance in real-world conditions and has become a cornerstone of many organizations and public safety UAV operations.

That is why we were genuinely surprised by the recent announcement from Teledyne FLIR that they will officially discontinue all sales of the SIRAS drone effective August 31, 2025. This development came unexpectedly and has prompted serious reflection, both within our own team and among the many clients who have come to depend on SIRAS for critical operations. We recognize that this platform played an important role in advancing secure drone capabilities for a broad range of users.

For many of our clients, SIRAS represented a unique and valuable balance of performance, security, and affordability. The system offered future NDAA compliance, no geofencing restrictions, an strong IP rating for environmental durability, and dual thermal and visible sensors, all packaged in a cost-effective solution. Its American-based design and assembly further gave agencies and organizations confidence in data integrity and supply chain accountability. These are not small advantages, and they explain why SIRAS quickly became one of the preferred options among our public safety and industrial clients.

Given the abrupt nature of this decision, we feel it is important to take this opportunity to address what this change means for current and future operators. We also want to outline how Lone Star Drone plans to continue supporting our SIRAS customers long after the product has exited the market.

Why SIRAS Is Exiting the Stage

According to Teledyne FLIR OEM, the choice to end sales of the SIRAS drone is part of a broader strategic company realignment. Teledyne Flir has decided to focus its investment and internal resources more narrowly on its crucial areas of expertise, which include advanced infrared imaging system cores, AI-powered software platforms, and defense and automotive applications. These sectors offer high-growth potential, and the company’s decision reflects an effort to concentrate on long-term opportunities in markets where it already holds significant leadership.

While this may be a sound business move for Teledyne FLIR, for drone operators and service providers, it leaves a rather meaningful void. SIRAS occupied a space in the industry that no other drone quite matched. It was uniquely positioned to serve clients needing a secure and domestically backed UAV solution, especially in scenarios where data protection, operational independence, and compliance with U.S. government regulations were key.

The absence of a direct successor to SIRAS means that agencies and businesses who rely on its capabilities will need to carefully evaluate their next steps. This is particularly relevant for those who have standardized SIRAS as part of their fleet - especially smaller police departments that have invested large portions of their budget into the SIRAS platform. We understand these challenges and are actively working to provide guidance and support to our customers during this period of change.

What the Official Announcement Says

In its communication to distributors (us) and end-users (you), Teledyne FLIR announced that the final date for SIRAS sales will be August 31, 2025. However, the company has also emphasized its continued commitment to supporting existing users through September 30, 2027. During this two-year support window, customers will continue to have access to technical support, warranty services, software updates, replacement parts and batteries, as well as existing documentation and training materials.

In practice, this means that operators will still be able to maintain their SIRAS systems and receive assistance from both Teledyne FLIR and Lone Star Drone as needed. Importantly, FLIR has also stated that any firmware or software updates currently in development will still be released during this window, and critical patches will be issued if necessary to maintain core system functionality. Planned future payloads, such as the optical zoom, are no longer being released.

We strongly advise our customers to prepare for the long-term by reviewing their inventory of parts and accessories and proactively placing orders for high-use consumables such as batteries, props, and payload dampeners. While support is officially guaranteed through September 2027, the availability of replacement components may become limited much earlier as the existing supply is depleted. To avoid disruption to your operations, it is best to act early.

Lone Star Drone will work closely with Teledyne FLIR throughout the entire support period to ensure that our customers receive the most responsive and comprehensive assistance possible. Our team is fully equipped to facilitate warranty repairs, manage out-of-warranty service needs, and help source replacement batteries and components while supplies last. We encourage clients to reach out to us in the weeks immediately following the end-of-sale date to discuss their ongoing needs and establish a continuity plan.

Our Reaction and Continued Commitment

We want to be transparent in stating that we had no advanced knowledge of Teledyne FLIR’s decision to retire the SIRAS platform. Like many of you, we were surprised to learn that a product with so much potential, practical value, and operational success would be leaving the market so soon after its creation. It is clear from the conversations we have had with our customers that this decision has created concern, especially for those who have integrated SIRAS into their workflows and invested in training and infrastructure around the system.

Despite this setback, our commitment to you remains unchanged. Lone Star Drone was built on the principle of supporting our clients through every phase of their operational journey. From initial equipment recommendations and hands-on demos to post-sale support and technical troubleshooting, our goal is to be a true partner, not just a vendor.

Over the next two years, we will remain available and responsive to every SIRAS-related issue our clients encounter. Whether you need help diagnosing an issue in the field, locating spare parts, or planning your next fleet acquisition, we are here to help. Our support will be hands-on when necessary, timely, and informed by direct collaboration with Teledyne FLIR representatives.

Additionally, we are in ongoing discussions with Teledyne FLIR to stay updated on all policy changes, software updates, and any potential developments regarding the drone platform that may arise. As soon as new information becomes available, we will relay it to our clients to ensure they are making decisions based on the most accurate and current data.

Recommendations for Current SIRAS Operators

If you are an active user of the SIRAS drone, now is the time to take stock of your equipment and begin planning for the future. Begin by auditing your fleet and identifying key components that may require replacement or replenishment. This includes batteries, props, legs, payload brackets, antennas, and any other consumables you rely on during missions.

Next, place orders for spare parts and accessories before demand surges or inventory runs low. As other operators begin to stock up, supply constraints may develop. Ordering early can help improve your likelihood of experiencing operational continuity in the months and years ahead.

We also recommend downloading and saving all user manuals, firmware files, and training materials that are available through the official FLIR channels. While these resources will remain accessible during the support window, storing them locally will safeguard against any future online content changes or removals.

If you or your team have not yet completed the DELTA online training for SIRAS, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. The training platform offers valuable insights into system operation, troubleshooting, and best practices for maximizing performance. Knowledge and preparedness are critical, especially when product support becomes more limited over time.

Finally, reach out to Lone Star Drone to schedule a one-on-one consultation. We can assist in evaluating your equipment lifecycle, help you budget for parts and replacements, and recommend alternative systems that align with your operational needs.

Looking Forward

While the "early retirement" of the SIRAS platform marks the end of a chapter, it does not close the door on innovation and progress. Teledyne FLIR has confirmed that it is not leaving the drone space but rather shifting its attention to areas where its imaging technology can make the most impact. This includes integration with autonomous navigation systems, advanced analytics, and next-generation defense-grade imaging platforms.

For our clients, this pivot presents an opportunity to consider alternative drone platforms that maintain compatibility with FLIR imaging payloads. Systems from manufacturers like Skydio, BRINC, and others may provide a viable path forward. We are currently vetting several of these platforms to determine their effectiveness, durability, and integration capabilities for our client base.

Our evaluations will consider not only hardware specs but also interoperability with existing workflows, data security, NDAA compliance, and real-world reliability. Once our internal reviews are complete, we will provide detailed recommendations tailored to the needs of law enforcement, fire response, utility inspection, and private sector applications.

Final Thoughts

We remain deeply grateful to all the agencies, businesses, and individuals who chose the SIRAS platform and entrusted Lone Star Drone to provide support, training, and technical services. Your investment in this technology was an investment in American innovation and mission critical performance.

Although the discontinuation of SIRAS is not what any of us anticipated, we view this as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to supporting you at every turn. From service and repairs to long-term migration planning, Lone Star Drone will be your partner through the end of the support window and beyond.

If you have any questions about what comes next, or if you want to begin preparing for the future of your UAV operations, we invite you to contact us directly. Our team is here to provide strategic guidance, reliable service, and a clear path forward.

The Lone Star Drone Team