Why I think DroneShield could be an ASX growth share to buy and hold

Some ASX growth shares are built around broad trends that sound exciting but are hard to turn into revenue.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) is different.

The company is focused on a specific and growing problem: how governments, militaries, and organisations protect themselves from drones.

That makes it a higher-risk share, but I think the long-term opportunity is worth watching.

Drones are changing defence

The case for DroneShield starts with the way drones are changing security.

They are cheap, mobile, flexible, and increasingly capable. That makes them useful, but it also makes them a threat.

Recent conflicts have shown how important drones can be in military planning. They can be used for surveillance, targeting, disruption, and direct attacks. Outside the battlefield, drones can also create problems around airports, prisons, stadiums, critical infrastructure, public events, and borders.

This is why counter-drone systems are becoming more important.

DroneShield sells technology designed to detect and respond to these threats. I think that gives it exposure to a market that could remain a priority for years, especially as defence budgets adjust to new realities.

Hardware plus software

One thing I like about DroneShield is that it is not just a hardware story.

Hardware can win contracts and build presence in the field. But software can make the installed base more valuable over time.

Drone threats are constantly changing. New drone models, tactics, frequencies, and operating methods can emerge quickly. That means customers may need regular upgrades and software improvements to keep systems effective.

DroneShield has been investing heavily in hardware and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled software to respond to these evolving threats.

That could be important for the quality of the business over time. If the company can grow recurring software revenue alongside hardware sales, the market may eventually view DroneShield as more than a defence equipment supplier.

A stronger platform to chase growth

DroneShield’s recent quarterly update shows the business is entering this growth phase with more resources than it had in the past.

It reported a strong cash balance, positive operating cash flow, and a large potential sales pipeline. It also has staff across multiple countries and a distributor network in key allied markets.

That is important for a company trying to win defence and government work globally.

These customers often need trust, support, local relationships, and the confidence that a supplier can deliver at scale. Having cash on the balance sheet also gives DroneShield more room to invest in people, technology, production capacity, and potential strategic opportunities.

But investors still need to be careful. A pipeline is not the same as revenue. Defence sales can be slow, uneven, and unpredictable. The company still needs to keep converting interest into firm orders and cash.

Foolish takeaway

DroneShield is not a traditional defensive investment, even though it operates in the defence sector.

It is a fast-growing technology company in a market that is still developing. That means the share price can move sharply in both directions.

But I think the long-term setup is compelling. Drones are becoming a bigger security challenge, and organisations will need better tools to deal with them.

If DroneShield can keep converting its technology, customer relationships, and pipeline into durable revenue, it could become a much larger business over time. 

I would treat it as higher risk, but it is the kind of ASX growth share I would want in my portfolio.

The post Why I think DroneShield could be an ASX growth share to buy and hold appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.