IQ Glider finalizes the ZenaDrone 2000 Maritime Defense System, enabling continuous multi-drone interception operations from naval vessels without shore infrastructure or missile-based countermeasures

Vancouver, British Columbia, (March 10, 2026) — ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZENA) (FSE:49Q) (BMV:ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology provider focusing on AI drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, announces it has begun developing the IQ Glider, an autonomous marine drone launch and refueling station. The IQ Glider is intended to prolong the operational endurance of the company’s ZenaDrone 2000 Maritime Interceptor defense system, which allows continuous multi-drone interception operations without the need for shore infrastructure or missile-based countermeasures. The start of IQ Glider technology follows the company’s recent announcement of developing a prototype for the ZenaDrone 2000, a cost-efficient, gas-powered sea-launched drone interceptor designed to detect and intercept multiple incoming unmanned aerial threats.

“The ZenaDrone 2000 transforms the economics of maritime drone defense, but economics alone don’t secure engagements; endurance does,” stated Shaun Passley, ZenaTech’s CEO. “A drone interceptor that has to return to port after one mission isn’t a real defense system. Our new developing, autonomous system, the IQ Glider, is made to keep these drones operating non-stop by enabling launch, recovery, and refueling directly from ships at sea. Combined, the ZenaDrone 2000 and the IQ Glider will create a scalable, cost-effective defense solution that lets naval forces tackle drone swarm threats with constant coverage instead of expensive missile-based interception.”

The strategic and economic basis for the combined IQ Glider platform and ZenaDrone 2000 drone system is the obvious cost imbalance in modern maritime drone warfare. The company thinks that naval forces using interceptor missiles costing up to $1 million or more to destroy drones worth around $50,000 is an unsustainable model, especially against continuous swarm attacks that strain both budgets and missile supplies. The company’s integrated systems are designed to tackle this problem on a large scale with a persistent, autonomous, ship-based capability that counters “drones with drones” made at a fraction of missile costs. This air defense system is well-suited for future U.S. Navy, NATO, and Gulf Coordination Council defense programs, and Coast Guard modernization efforts seeking scalable maritime air defense.

Historically, sustained operational presence has limited maritime drone defense because individual drones can only stay airborne for a limited time before needing fuel or maintenance. The IQ Glider is designed to solve this challenge, offering a platform for ZenaDrone 2000 drones to launch, land, refuel, and redeploy in coordinated rotations directly from naval vessels. ZenaTech’s management believes this relay-style approach allows continuous coverage over ships and surrounding maritime zones during extended missions.

Both the IQ Glider and the ZenaDrone 2000 Maritime Interceptor are currently under active development. The ZenaDrone 2000 prototype is in the design and development phase, with testing expected before the end of the year. The IQ Glider is being developed simultaneously as the dedicated launch and refueling infrastructure for ZenaDrone 2000 fleet operations. ZenaTech will provide updates on combined system development milestones, prototype testing timelines, and defense customer engagement as they are accomplished.

About ZenaTech

ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) (FSE:49Q) (BMV:ZENA) is a technology company focusing on AI drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions for mission-critical applications in business, government, and defense. Since 2017, the company has utilized its software development expertise and expanded its drone design and manufacturing capabilities through ZenaDrone to innovate and enhance 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 along with 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 expanding 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. Originally created to revolutionize the hemp farming sector, its specialization has expanded 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 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

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