Puma™ 3 AE
04/03/2026
Solution: Puma™ 3 AE
Press Release
AeroVironment Awarded $874M Foreign Military Sales IDIQ to Deliver UAS and C-UAS Systems to Allied & Partner Forces
12/08/2025
ARLINGTON, Va., December 8, 2025 — AeroVironment (AV) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in all-domain autonomous systems, has been awarded a five-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract worth $874.26 million from the U.S. Army Contracting Command. This contract will support future foreign military sales (FMS) through the Program Executive Office (PEO) Aviation, enabling allied and partner forces to procure a range of Groups 1-3 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS (C-UAS) systems from AV’s extensive portfolio of defense technology offerings. The systems available under this IDIQ contract include specific variations of the JUMP® 20, P550™, Puma™, Raven®, and Titan C-UAS™ systems along with training, initial spares packages, and logistics support.
“We are delivering innovative defense technologies to meet our national security priorities – at home and abroad,” said Justin McFarlin, Vice President of International Business Development for AV. “Our autonomous technologies are battle-proven and trusted, giving warfighters unparalleled mission flexibility, situational awareness, and a sphere of protection against threats–all within lightweight, easy-to-transport, easy-to-deploy systems. This contract will help accelerate our ongoing efforts to get these critical capabilities to warfighters around the world.”
The JUMP 20 is a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), fixed-wing uncrewed aircraft that gives operators advanced multi-sensor intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) services. The platform can be set up and operational in less than 30 minutes without a runway or additional launch or recovery equipment, delivering 13+ hours of endurance and an operational range of 185 km (115 mi). With its flexible payload options and highly customizable features, the JUMP 20 is ideal for multi-mission operations.
AV’s latest autonomous Group 2 eVTOL system, the P550, is redefining battlefield adaptability with rapid deployment, effortless in-field payload swapping, advanced situational awareness, and target and strike capabilities. Its proven AI and autonomy enable smarter, safer operations for maneuver forces with up to 5 hours of all-battery powered operation. Built on an open and scalable architecture, the P550 is designed to keep pace with technological advancements at low cost and risk.
The all-environment Puma delivers unmatched portability, modular adaptability, and precision targeting in a compact Group 2 UAS platform for both land and maritime operations. The platform offers secondary payloads, third-party application integrations, and multi-mission capabilities for day, night, and low-light operations in extreme environments. The Puma VTOL Kit, Puma™ VNS (Visual Navigation System), Laser Target Designator, and Universal Gimbal Kit expand operational capabilities.
Raven is the most widely deployed sUAS in the world. It is designed for rapid deployment and high mobility in military or commercial operations that require low-altitude intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The Raven is hand-launched and has an operational range of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers), providing situational awareness–day or night–with real-time video or infrared imagery to ground control and remote viewing stations.
AV’s Titan radio frequency (RF)-based C-UAS can be rapidly deployed in the most challenging rural and urban environments to detect and defeat threats. It is adaptable for mobile, dismounted, and fixed-site missions. With automated point-and-click functionality, intelligent AI/ML-driven analysis, and advanced C2 interoperability, Titan provides precise countermeasure control while minimizing disruption to blue force communications. With more than 1,000 units operationally deployed, Titan is actively protecting warfighters, allies, and critical infrastructure on frontlines around the world.
“AV’s platforms are deployed around the world, supporting the most important missions for our national security and the protection of our allies,” said Jason Hendrix, Vice President of Small Uncrewed Systems for AV. “We’re continually looping frontline feedback into our platforms and scaling production to meet the mission, ensuring that our warfighters have the tools and technologies they need to stay ahead of evolving threats.”
About AeroVironment, Inc.
AeroVironment (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) is a defense technology leader delivering integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The Company develops and deploys autonomous systems, loitering munitions, counter-UAS technologies, space-based platforms, directed energy systems, and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities—built to meet the mission needs of today’s warfighter and tomorrow’s conflicts. At the core of these technologies lies AV_Halo, a modular, mission-ready suite of AI-powered software tools that empowers warfighters and enables full-battlefield dominance: detect, decide, deliver. With a national manufacturing footprint and a deep innovation pipeline, AV delivers proven systems and future-defining capabilities at speed, scale, and operational relevance. For more information, visit www.avinc.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are made on the basis of current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors outside of our control, that may cause our business, strategy or actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain additional contracts; changes in the regulatory environment; the activities of competitors; failure of the markets in which we operate to grow; failure to expand into new markets; failure to develop new products or integrate new technology with current products; and general economic and business conditions in the United States and elsewhere in the world. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
CONTACT:
AeroVironment
+1.703.418.2828
pr@avinc.com
Solutions
Press Release
AV and Dutch Ministry of Defence Expand Partnership to Modernize Puma™ UAS Fleet and Deploy Scalable Long-Endurance Systems
05/13/2025
Arlington, Va., May 13, 2025 – AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced a new contract with the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) to modernize the Netherlands’ Puma™ UAS fleet with expanded capabilities for enhanced situational awareness and operational effectiveness.
Under the contract, the Dutch MoD is modernizing its Puma 3 AE UAS fleet with advanced capabilities that empower forces to carry out mission-critical operations autonomously and securely—even in GPS-denied and contested environments. Upgrades will boost survivability, strengthen communications and add the option for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) to maximize operational agility. Deliveries are underway, with the upgraded systems set for rapid deployment at the squad and platoon levels.
Additionally, the Netherlands is expanding its UAS portfolio with the acquisition of Puma LE, which delivers extended endurance and range. Both Puma 3 AE and Puma LE provide scalable ISR capabilities for tactical formations and civilian missions.
Battle-proven in the toughest combat zones—including ongoing deployment in Ukraine—Puma systems have earned their reputation in real-world, high-threat environments. Continuous updates driven by frontline experience keep both platforms mission-ready, rapidly adaptable, and equipped with the latest tech to outpace evolving threats.
“Our expanded partnership with the Dutch MoD underscores the rising demand for adaptable, mission-ready uncrewed systems across NATO,” said Trace Stevenson, AV’s president of Autonomous Systems. “AV’s battle-proven Puma platforms are built to deliver real-time intelligence and unmatched battlefield agility—so our partners can make faster, smarter decisions in the world’s most contested environments.”
Designed for fast-paced, expeditionary operations, Puma UAS can be launched by a single soldier or from Fennek reconnaissance vehicles—enabling agile ISR at the edge. These upgrades are part of a broader Dutch initiative to modernize and scale uncrewed capability across their operations.
Solutions
Press Release
AV Unveils Advanced Software Updates to Enhance Puma UAS Capabilities in Contested Environments
11/14/2024
Arlington, VA, November 14, 2024 – AeroVironment (AV) announces a powerful suite of software updates, called Project GOLD, that elevate the battlefield effectiveness of its Puma™ 3 AE and Puma™ LE, in contested environments. The new updates bolster the Puma uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to maintain reliable navigation and mission performance even when GNSS and communications signals are unreliable, unavailable or deliberately jammed. The software-only upgrades ensure Puma UAS can continue mission-critical tasks autonomously and securely, reducing reliance on GPS and enhancing survivability in hostile areas.
Featured Updates:
- GPS-Denied Capabilities: Puma 3 AE and Puma LE now support additional advanced Assured Position Navigation and Timing (APNT) capabilities in GNSS denied environments.
- Visual Navigation (VNS): Providing greater capability utilizing Puma’s VNS system with end-to-end GNSS-denied operation and an additional layer of GNSS spoofing detection and rejection.
- Enhanced Radio Security: Enhanced security features with the latest software and UI/UX ensuring robust communications in contested environments.
- Increased Payload: Software update allows for 60% increase in Puma 3 payload capacity, up to 6.5lbs of total payload for advanced multi-mission support.
“With these software enhancements, we’re reinforcing the adaptability and resilience of our Puma Systems for the most demanding battlefield conditions,” said Trace Stevenson, AV’s senior vice president and general manager of Uncrewed Systems. “These capabilities allow warfighters to maintain operational superiority, even when adversaries attempt to disrupt critical systems, ensuring greater mission success and survivability.”
These new capabilities are delivered through software updates, requiring no hardware modifications to existing systems, thus offering a cost-effective and rapid upgrade path for deployed fleets. All new Puma systems will include these features, and currently fielded units can be easily upgraded using the Puma Software Update Kit.
Solutions
Press Release
AV Unveils New AI Capability and Autonomy Kit for Unmanned Systems
04/23/2024
AV’s Autonomy Retrofit Kit (ARK) and AVACORE software deliver a suite of new single or multi-agent mission capabilities to autonomous systems
ARLINGTON, Va., April 23, 2024 – AeroVironment (AV) has introduced its Autonomy Retrofit Kit (ARK) and AVACORE software demonstrating the company’s commitment to advancing autonomy and machine learning capabilities to increase effectiveness of autonomous systems and reduce operator burdens. ARK and AVACORE bring AV’s accelerated autonomy to fielded assets such as Puma™ 3 AE and Puma™ LE, in addition to future autonomous systems.
ARK is a quick-connect payload introducing a new suite of intelligent mission capabilities for Group 1+ unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Providing edge computing for mission-critical applications, ARK enables operators to task a single or multi-vehicle team with mission objectives for fully autonomous execution while operating in communications-contested environments. ARK also intelligently integrates with distributed groups of dismounted units in a Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) using the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK).
AVACORE is AV’s autonomy software providing an open framework for unmanned systems. It features a modular set of interfaces such as autopilots, radios and sensors, and supports rapid integration with new platforms and applications. ARK also comes preinstalled with SPOTR-Edge, AV’s computer vision software, for onboard detection, classification, localization, and tracking of operationally relevant objects including people, vehicles, aircraft, and maritime vessels, day or night.
“ARK and AVACORE provide enhanced capabilities and critical advantages to warfighters on complex battlefields,” said AV’s Senior Vice President of MacCready Works, Jeff Rodrian. “This payload combines AV’s unparalleled autonomy and field-proven computer vision SPOTR-Edge to accelerate awareness and mission success.”
Through the combination of autonomy and computer vision, ARK and AVACORE allow operators to select a wide variety of single or multi-agent capabilities including multi-region search, track and follow and more. The introduction of these systems builds upon AV’s proven and trusted family of autonomous systems, bringing a scalable, adaptable AI toolset to fielded and new assets for safer, smarter mission capabilities.
“AVACORE features an intuitive behavior tree approach allowing flexibility for rapid development and adoption of new autonomous missions,” continued Rodrian. “This results in smarter systems with reduced cognitive load for warfighters.”
Click here to request additional information on AV’s ARK and AVACORE.
Capabilities
Solutions
Press Release
AV’s Puma 3 AE Now Offers Extended Endurance of Up To 3 Hours
02/14/2024
ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 14, 2024 – AeroVironment’s PS2500 battery is now approved for use in the Puma™ 3 AE unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The optional PS2500 battery allows operators to achieve extended endurance of up to three hours of flight time. The increased endurance provides operators with greater mission flexibility and time on station across land and maritime operations.
“The new PS2500 battery offers both new and current Puma customers the opportunity to dramatically expand the duration of their operations, enabling more ground covered in a single flight,” said Brad Truesdell, AeroVironment’s vice president and general manager of small UAS (SUAS). “Adding longer endurance capabilities to Puma’s existing flexible launch options and modularity makes it a truly unparalleled asset for various types of operations.”
Puma customers can now choose between the standard smart battery with two and a half hours of endurance, or the PS2500 battery with three hours of endurance. The high-energy-density lithium-ion PS2500 battery pack features an improved capacity of 24.5Ah (amp-hours) while retaining the size and form factor needed to be seamlessly integrated into Puma 3 AE’s existing battery bay and is also interoperable with Puma LE as a Line Replaceable Unit (LRU).
Solutions
Press Release
AeroVironment, Inc. to Acquire Tomahawk Robotics
08/22/2023
AeroVironment’s unmanned systems paired with Tomahawk Robotics’ AI-enabled technology will allow warfighters to operate various connected robotic solutions in the battlefield and share information between multiple domains with one common controller
ARLINGTON, Va., August 22, 2023 – AeroVironment has announced its anticipated acquisition of Tomahawk Robotics, a leader in AI-enabled robotic control systems. The acquisition will enable deeper integration of both companies’ technology, leading to enhanced interoperability and interconnectivity of unmanned systems through a singular platform with similar control features. This will ultimately enable warfighters to operate various connected robotic solutions in the battlefield and share information between multiple domains with one common controller. The two companies entered into a definitive agreement under which AeroVironment will acquire 100% of Tomahawk Robotics equity for a total purchase price of $120 million to be paid in a mix of cash and stock.
Founded by Brad Truesdell and Matt Summer in 2018, Tomahawk Robotics is the visionary force behind the groundbreaking Kinesis Ecosystem, an unmatched tactical capability designed for the warfighter first. At the heart of this innovation lies Kinesis, an AI-enhanced and open architecture common control system that seamlessly integrates the network of battle-proven unmanned expeditionary vehicles, sensors, and third-party software onto a single pane of glass. Powered by innovation, the Kinesis Ecosystem delivers targeted situational awareness and precision strike capabilities for the human-machine teams across the battlespace.
“The acquisition of Tomahawk Robotics will not only provide AeroVironment with strong new members of our team, but a quality brand and products that are widely respected in the industry. Tomahawk Robotics will become part of the small UAS (SUAS) business unit within AeroVironment’s Unmanned Systems segment. We intend to retain all of their workforce and existing facilities in Florida,” said AeroVironment’s CEO and Chairman Wahid Nawabi. “We will support all existing Tomahawk Robotics customers and their products will remain platform agnostic to the market and within the industry. We also plan to introduce Tomahawk Robotics solutions to AeroVironment’s growing network of more than 55 allied nations.”
“Combining features of our Crysalis operating system with Tomahawk Robotics’ AI-enhanced Kinesis platform means pairing the best common controller technology with the most ubiquitous unmanned systems on the market today,” said AeroVironment’s Senior Vice President of Unmanned Systems Trace Stevenson. Tomahawk Robotics’ Kinesis control system was integrated into AeroVironment’s small unmanned aircraft family of systems including Raven® B and Puma™ 3 AE in 2022.
“Tomahawk Robotics’ solutions will accelerate our adoption and implementation of AI and autonomy into AeroVironment platforms,” continued Stevenson. “We’re confident that the combined experience and expertise of our two teams will result in a variety of unmatched unmanned expeditionary vehicles that meet our customers’ emerging needs and exacting standards.”
“Our motto has always been ‘warfighter first.’ Everything we’ve designed or made has been optimized to better equip and prepare soldiers on the battlefield,” said Tomahawk Robotics’ CEO Brad Truesdell. “Joining AeroVironment means our solutions will have a broader reach and the opportunity to be optimized by not only AeroVironment’s family of systems, but the broader robotics community, better enabling warfighters across the globe.”
“Acquiring Tomahawk Robotics strengthens our value to our customers as we will be uniquely qualified to support multiple platforms and offer the best solution for their operational needs,” continued Nawabi. “Tomahawk Robotics’ products will enable AeroVironment’s solutions to achieve an elevated Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) desired by our customers, and the opportunity to expand into new and adjacent markets for interconnected soldiers with a Common Operating Picture enabled by AI and autonomy.”
Solutions
Press Release
AeroVironment Introduces VTOL Kit for Puma AE UAS
05/09/2023
New vertical take-off and landing kit expands operational capabilities and streamlines constrained area operations
ARLINGTON, Va., May 9, 2023 – AeroVironment, Inc. today introduced the (*NOTE: update links) Puma™ VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) kit, designed for plug-and-play integration into Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS). The optional Puma VTOL kit expands the operational capabilities of the combat-proven Puma system in complex terrain, as neither runway nor large open space are required for launch and recovery of the VTOL-equipped Puma, allowing operators to launch anywhere, anytime.
Leveraging AeroVironment’s Crysalis™ ground control solution, the added VTOL capability now allows a single Puma operator to execute missions and streamline operations through features like one-button launch and recovery.
“The modern battlefield offers varying types of complex terrain features, both natural and manmade, that can pose challenges to small unit operations and their use of unmanned aircraft. Our new Puma VTOL kit provides the operator with a wider range of launch and land capabilities, enhancing the unit’s mission while further safeguarding its personnel during these periods of transitional flight,” said Shane Hastings, AeroVironment’s vice president and product line general manager for small UAS. “The VTOL kit converts the Puma AE into a highly precise and agile ISR asset where a single operator can effortlessly launch the aircraft from a small space and attain mission-critical information of enemy forces in a timely manner and land on a desired rooftop or other small, targeted areas.”
Integration of the Puma VTOL kit requires minimal one-time modifications to the aircraft’s airframe by qualified personnel. Once modified, the plug-and-play Puma VTOL kit can be easily added or removed in the field within a couple of minutes, allowing operators to quickly transition between a fixed-wing and VTOL platform to suit varying mission needs with a single aircraft.
Available as an add-on option for new Puma 3 AE system orders and as a retrofit kit for already fielded Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE aircraft, both fielded and new aircraft can take advantage of this VTOL capability.