Exclusive: Vector raises $61 million with "modern warfare as a service" push

• "We realized there was a gap in the market of anyone providing this fully integrated model: all of the tactical training, all of the technical training, bringing together all of the kit required to operate unmanned systems," Yakulis said.
• "A lot of companies out there do a really great job of just technically showing someone how to fly, for example, a first-person-view drone," he added. "But where we saw the gap was no one was actually applying tactics to that."

Flashback: Vector unveiled its Hammer quadcopter in July.

• It features fiber-optic spools as seen on jam-resistant drones in Eastern Europe.

Follow the money: The company has U.S. military customers, but declined to specify exactly who. Financial backers include Harpoon Ventures, Point72 Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners and Shield Capital.

Friction point: Tectonic and Law360 this summer reported Vector was sued by Red Cat Holdings, another defense player.

• Yakulis has said the accusations "are without merit and, as such, Vector intends to vigorously defend itself in court."
• "We can take the heat — because that's what we are built for."

Go deeper: DOD's drone dilemma