Category: Press Release

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AV Announces LINX™ Connected Transportation Platform to Modernize Real-Time Traveler Communications

06/08/2026

BJ Koubaroulis, Corporate Communications Specialist

Software-Based V2X Solution Supports Delaware and Washington, D.C. Transportation Agencies with Unified, Real-Time Roadway Alerts Across Connected Infrastructure and Digital Traveler Platforms 

ARLINGTON, Va., June 9, 2026 – AeroVironment (“AV”), a global defense technology leader, today announced the continued deployment and operational expansion of its LINX™ Traveler Information Messaging (TIM) platform, a software-based Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) solution designed to modernize how transportation agencies deliver real-time roadway information to drivers. The announcement was made during the ITS America Conference & Expo 2026 at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan. 

Designed to support increasingly connected transportation environments, LINX™ enables agencies to create, manage, and distribute standardized Traveler Information Messages (TIM) across transportation management centers, connected vehicles, navigation applications, and traveler alert platforms through a centralized, scalable architecture that integrates with existing transportation management systems and supports widely adopted standards, including the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and SAE J2735. 

The platform delivers real-time alerts for work zones, traffic incidents, severe weather, flooding, roadway hazards, and special events—enhancing roadway safety, operational awareness, and traffic flow. 

“Traditional traveler information systems, including roadside signs, 511 services, and standalone navigation applications, often operate independently, creating inconsistencies and delays in how critical roadway information is communicated to drivers,” said Stephen Lloyd, Senior Director Command and Control (C2) Systems at AV. “LINX™ demonstrates how agencies can connect their systems with trusted traveler platforms to deliver reliable real time information that enhances safety, resilience, and operational efficiency.” 

AV is currently supporting active deployments with the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), helping modernize transportation communications in both statewide and dense urban environments. 

In Delaware, LINX™ will enable DelDOT to rapidly distribute standardized roadway alerts, including flooding notifications and roadway condition updates, potentially improving both traveler safety and mobility. In Washington, D.C., the platform supports DDOT’s management of complex urban transportation demands, ensuring drivers receive timely and accurate situational awareness across multiple communication channels.  

“The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) successfully demonstrated that Network Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) solution systems are technically viable, scalable, and ready for broader deployment,” said Kerry Yost, P.E., Transportation Systems Operations Manager at DelDOT Transportation Solutions, Traffic Operations “ These systems can deliver low-latency, real-time traffic signal data to users, laying the groundwork for safer, smarter intersections and highways, and future connected vehicle applications.” 

Key LINX™ capabilities include: 

  • Unified communication across transportation management centers, connected vehicles, and traveler information platforms  
  • Real-time alerts for work zones, incidents, weather events, and emergency roadway conditions  
  • Interoperability with existing agency workflows and infrastructure  
  • Cloud or on-premises deployment options for regional or statewide scalability  
  • Secure communications enabled through Transport Layer Security (TLS)-based encryption and Security Credential Management System (SCMS) integration to ensure trusted data exchange. 

As connected vehicle ecosystems continue to expand nationwide, AV’s LINX™ platform positions agencies to support safer, smarter, and more responsive transportation networks while reducing manual operational burdens and improving information consistency across digital traveler channels. 

About AV 

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 defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain new ones; regulatory changes; competitor activities; market growth; product development challenges; and general economic conditions. For a more detailed discussion of these risks, please refer to AeroVironment’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events. 

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AV to Expand Advanced Production Capabilities in Dayton Area

06/02/2026

State and regional incentives support phased manufacturing growth and job creation 

DAYTON, Ohio — June 2, 2026 — AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global defense technology leader, today announced plans to invest $15 million to expand advanced production capabilities in Greene County, Ohio, near Dayton.  

Today marked a significant step forward in AV’s Dayton expansion as $7 million of the company’s total investment was approved by the Ohio Tax Credit Authority. 

The expansion strengthens AV’s domestic manufacturing footprint and supports continued growth across critical defense programs, including advanced biotechnology manufacturing in support of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in Dayton. 

AV will expand project sites in the City of Beavercreek and City of Xenia adding approximately 44,000 square feet designed to support pilot-scale and mid-volume production of advanced biotechnology materials and components. The sites will enable specialized manufacturing, integration, and testing activities aligned with national security priorities, positioning AV to help meet growing demand across the Department of War’s critical technology list for scalable biomanufacturing capabilities and mission-critical systems. 

“Dayton and the surrounding community is where some of the nation’s most important advanced research and defense innovation is happening, and proximity to the customer matters,” said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer at AV. “Being close to AFRL and the broader defense innovation ecosystem allows our teams to collaborate faster, transition technology more rapidly, and deliver advanced capabilities directly aligned with mission needs.” 

Through a cooperative effort with JobsOhio and the Ohio Department of Development, the expansion project is expected to create 200 new jobs and generate an estimated $28 million per year in regional economic impact, building on AV’s existing footprint in the Dayton area.  

AV’s investment will be supported by a performance-based incentive package led by the State of Ohio, including assistance through JobsOhio, tied to verified job creation and operational milestones. Additional state and regional incentives under consideration include refundable job-creation tax credits and workforce development support. 

“AV’s decision to expand in Greene County is another powerful signal that Ohio is the place where America’s most advanced aerospace and defense companies can thrive,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “From Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the AFRL to the skilled men and women at work in Dayton every day, Ohio provided the strategic advantage and partnerships to bring these 200 new, mission-critical jobs to its cutting-edge facility.” 

The expansion will initially support pilot-scale production, with the flexibility to scale into a full-rate manufacturing facility as demand increases. The facilities have been purpose-designed to accommodate future growth in both workforce and production capacity without disrupting ongoing operations. 

The Ohio expansion follows several recent AFRL contract wins for AV, including: 

  • $25 million award focused on accelerating human performance and biotechnology capabilities for warfighter readiness.  
  • $20 million award to accelerate development of next-generation ceramic materials 

AV’s Greene County expansion reinforces its strategy to scale domestic manufacturing and skilled talent while leveraging Ohio’s strong aerospace and defense ecosystem to rapidly build, test, and field advanced technologies with key proximity to nearby Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the AFRL. 

The expansion builds on AV’s broader strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity, enhance supply-chain resilience, and invest in highly skilled technical workforces across the United States.  

AV recently announced a $30 million expansion in Albuquerque, New Mexico, establishing a vertically integrated, next-generation manufacturing campus expected to generate more than $670 million in economic impact over the next decade, create more than 450 high-wage jobs, and increase production of mission-critical defense and space technologies.  

AV also recently announced a $20.2 million expansion of its Huntsville, Ala. facility to support Low-Rate Initial Production and future Full-Rate Production of Freedom Eagle-1 (FE-1) in order to support urgent U.S. Army and Combatant Command operational needs while advancing AV’s broader strategy of innovation, scale, and national security. 

“AV’s expansion in Beavercreek and Xenia is a vote of confidence in Ohio’s skilled manufacturing workforce, world-class aerospace and defense innovation sector, and our ability to help great companies move from prototype to production with speed and precision,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “This investment deepens AV’s commitment to the Dayton region and reinforces what we hear from companies every day: Ohio is the right place to build the next generation of national security technology.” 

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING 

“Dayton has always been a city that knows how to build, innovate, and deliver for the nation,” said Johnathan Jones, Senior Vice President of the Cyber and Mission Solutions Group at AV. “With its deep engineering heritage, proximity to AFRL, and one of the most skilled technical workforces in the country, this region is uniquely positioned for advanced defense manufacturing. AV’s investment reinforces that Dayton is not just a place to do business — it’s a place to grow, scale, and build the future of national security technology.” 

“This expansion strengthens AV’s ability to scale advanced technologies from research and development into operational production at the speed our customers require,” said Mary Clum, President of the Space, Cyber and Directed Energy Segment at AV. “By expanding our manufacturing and integration capabilities in Ohio, we are investing in the infrastructure, talent, and regional partnerships needed to accelerate innovation and deliver next-generation capabilities that support critical national security missions.” 

“These expansions come as the federal government continues to emphasize the importance of defense contractors investing in domestic facilities, resilient supply chains, speed of delivery, and skilled workforces,” said Church Hutton, Chief Growth Officer at AV. “AV’s Ohio growth reflects this national priority and positions the company to meet accelerating demand across defense, aerospace, and space markets.” 

“AV’s commitment to establish advanced biomanufacturing production operations in the Dayton Region fits perfectly with the region’s strong defense and manufacturing sectors and brings an opportunity for our regional workforce to be on the leading edge of an exciting new technology,” said Jeff Hoagland, President and CEO of the Dayton Development Coalition. “We stand ready to support AV’s growth in our community and know the company has a bright future here.” 

“As Chairman of the Senate Workforce Development Committee, I am excited about this new expansion of AV in both their Beavercreek and Xenia facilities,” said State Sen. Kyle Koehler, Ohio Senate District 10. “This is exactly what we want to see happening all across Ohio as we work on HB 292 in my committee. The Ohio Defense and Space Advisory Commission will help Ohio, and especially, Greene County, to attract technology companies that offer advanced and high paying jobs.” 

“AV’s expansion reinforces the fact that the Dayton region is at the heart of the national aerospace, defense, and research ecosystems,” said Congressman Mike Turner (Ohio’s 10th District). “The Miami Valley offers an unmatched convergence of talent, research infrastructure, and defense expertise. Nowhere else in the country can claim such deep roots in aerospace and defense innovation, or such a direct line to the institutions driving it forward. AV’s investment is the latest proof that Dayton and Ohio remain at the center of it all.”  

“I am delighted to hear about AeroVironment’s expansion here in Beavercreek, Ohio,” said State Representative Brian Lampton (R-Beavercreek). “Our efforts in the Ohio legislature to reduce burdensome regulations and provide an improved and predictable business climate through the Business First Caucus continues to attract these fantastic employment opportunities for our region.” 

“AV’s investment brings good jobs, supports local families, and strengthens our economy,” said State Representative Levi Dean. “It also helps Ohio continue supporting the men and women who serve our country. We’re proud of our hardworking community and the opportunities this brings to Greene County.” 

About AV 

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. 

About JobsOhio 

JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership, and Team NEO, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook 

Safe Harbor Statement 

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain new ones; regulatory changes; competitor activities; market growth; product development challenges; and general economic conditions. For a more detailed discussion of these risks, please refer to AeroVironment’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events. 

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AV Awarded $20 Million Contract to Advance Ceramic Materials Research for the U.S. Air Force and Space Force

05/28/2026

BJ Koubaroulis, Corporate Communications Specialist

ARLINGTON, Va. – May 28, 2026 – AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in defense technology innovation, today announced it has been awarded a $20 million Ceramics Advanced Materials and Processes (CAMP) contract by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Materials and Manufacturing Directorate to advance next-generation ceramic and ceramic matrix composite materials (CMCs) for extreme aerospace and defense applications supporting the U.S. Air and Space Forces. 

Under the 39-month contract, AV’s materials experts will partner with AFRL scientists and engineers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, to accelerate development, field advanced capabilities faster, and strengthen mission readiness while reducing lifecycle costs. The team will apply advanced additive manufacturing, three-dimensional (3D) printing, and sensor integration techniques to create lightweight, thermally resilient structures—such as high speed aerodynamic vehicles, turbine engines, rocket propulsion systems, transparent armor, thermal-protection tiles, and nozzle extensions—designed to perform in the most extreme environments. 

“CAMP represents a vital investment in technologies that will preserve America’s advantage across air and space domains,” said Johnathan Jones, Senior Vice President of Cyber and Mission Solutions at AV. “By advancing the next generation of high-temperature materials and manufacturing processes, we will deliver capabilities that enhance mission readiness, extend operational endurance, and strengthen the technological superiority of our Air and Space Forces.” 

Research conducted under the CAMP program will advance next-generation ceramics through precursor synthesis and processing, novel fabrication and design methods, microstructural characterization, and advanced modeling to better predict performance and durability. The effort will span the full lifecycle of material innovation, integrating embedded sensors for real-time health monitoring and developing multifunctional ceramics for aerospace, space, energy, and defense applications—from satellite propulsion and helicopter armor to ultra-efficient energy systems and advanced sensors. 

“Collaborations with our customers are at the heart of what we do,” said Dr. John Hogan, Vice President of Defense and Interagency Service at AV. “Through the CAMP program, we’re not just developing better ceramics—we’re creating the materials foundation for the future of flight and space operations. This collaboration ensures our research directly supports mission readiness, durability, and operational effectiveness for the Air and Space Forces.” 

About AV 

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 defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain new ones; regulatory changes; competitor activities; market growth; product development challenges; and general economic conditions. For a more detailed discussion of these risks, please refer to AeroVironment’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events. 

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Media Contact:  

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703.718.4060 

  

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AV Expands Huntsville Facility to Accelerate Production of Next-Generation Freedom Eagle-1 Interceptor

05/26/2026

BJ Koubaroulis, Corporate Communications Specialist

Facility expansion positions AV to scale production, accelerate fielding, and provide cost-effective defense against mass aerial threats 

ARLINGTON, Va., May 26, 2026 – AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global defense technology leader, today announced an additional government investment of $20.2 million in AV’s Huntsville, Alabama facility to increase quantities of Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) and accelerate future Full-Rate Production (FRP) of the Next-Generation Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Missile (NGCM), known as Freedom Eagle-1 (FE-1). 

The expanded site will serve as the system-level integration, manufacturing, and production hub for FE-1, enabling rapid scale-up of interceptor production and accelerated delivery timelines to meet urgent U.S. Army and Combatant Command operational needs.  

The 24,000-square-foot expansion and associated job growth in Huntsville reflect AV’s continued investment in meeting evolving national security demands for subsonic missiles while strengthening cost-effective production capacity, driving innovation, and supporting on-time delivery. 

“Growing our presence in Huntsville places AV more firmly at the center of the Army’s air and missile defense ecosystem, enabling tighter integration, faster iteration, and more efficient production at scale,” said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer at AV. “That proximity is critical as we begin production of Freedom Eagle-1, a system designed to deliver a scalable, cost-effective response to increasingly complex and high-volume aerial threats.” 

The investment builds on AV’s recent selection and $95.9 million contract award under the U.S. Army’s NGCM and Long-Range Kinetic Interceptor (LRKI) programs, executed through the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (CCDC AvMC) and the Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium (AMTC), and marks the next phase in transitioning Freedom Eagle-1 from development to scaled production and operational fielding. 

In March, AV announced a $97 million contract to design and integrate prototype test environments for next-generation missile defense sensor testing at Redstone Arsenal — a Huntsville-based federal center that is home to more than 70 organizations, including NASA, the FBI, Missile Defense Agency, Army Program Acquisition Executive Fires, and the future U.S. Space Command headquarters. 

“This expansion is a critical step in scaling production of Freedom Eagle-1 and accelerating its delivery to the field,” said Jimmy Jenkins, Executive Vice President of AV’s Precision Strike and Defense Systems Group. “By increasing manufacturing capacity, strengthening integration, and enabling production at volume, we’re delivering a cost-effective interceptor designed to counter increasingly complex and high-volume aerial threats.” 

Freedom Eagle-1 is designed to address these challenges with a combination of performance and affordability. The system is a low-cost, high-performance interceptor capable of neutralizing Groups 2 and 3 UAS while maintaining residual capability against Group 1 UAS, fixed-wing, and rotary-wing aircraft, with increased lethality, extended range, and rapid launch capabilities. 

The system has achieved several key development milestones, including a successful live-fire demonstration of its dual-thrust solid rocket motor, controlled test vehicle launches, and warhead testing, demonstrating technical maturity and reduced risk as the program transitions toward field deployment. 

“As the nation’s defense and security demands increase, it is crucial that we meet capability needs, and there is no better place for AV’s expansion as Alabama continues to lead in defense manufacturing and innovation,” said Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04). 

The expansion in Huntsville also reflects AV’s broader strategy to scale domestic manufacturing capacity, following a recent announcement of a $30 million expansion of its Albuquerque, New Mexico campus, a move that is expected to generate more than $670 million in economic impact over the next decade, create more than 450 high-wage jobs, and boost production of mission-critical defense and space technologies. 

About AV 

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 defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain new ones; regulatory changes; competitor activities; market growth; product development challenges; and general economic conditions. For a more detailed discussion of these risks, please refer to AeroVironment’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events. 

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For additional media and information, please follow us: 

 

Media Contact:  

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703.718.4060 

  

Investor Contact:  

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805.795.4108 

 

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AV Expands AV_Halo™ Platform with INSTINCT and DETECT to Enable Faster, Resilient Decision-Making at the Edge

05/19/2026

BJ Koubaroulis, Corporate Communications Specialist

Extending AV_Halo with distributed autonomy and resilient RF sensing to enable faster decisions and mission execution in denied environments 

ARLINGTON, Va., May 19, 2026 — AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global defense technology leader, today announced the two latest additions to its AV_Halo™ unified mission software platform: AV_Halo INSTINCT, a next-generation autonomy framework for multi-platform uncrewed systems (UxS), and AV_Halo DETECT, an advanced radio frequency (RF) sensing and security solution for contested and denied environments. 

The announcement was made today at SOF Week in Tampa, Florida, where defense leaders and special operations forces are focused on advancing capabilities for contested, multi-domain operations. 

Together, INSTINCT and DETECT expand AV_Halo’s role as a modular, open-architecture ecosystem, delivering synchronized autonomy, resilient sensing, and faster, more informed decision-making across intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), loitering, strike, and counter–Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) missions. 

“In an era of contested communications and proliferated autonomy, advantage goes to the force that can decide and act faster at the edge,” said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer at AV. “INSTINCT and DETECT fundamentally change that equation, combining distributed autonomy with resilient sensing so forces can see earlier, decide with confidence, and execute in real time, even when networks are degraded or denied. This is about compressing the time from detection to action while preserving mission effectiveness in the most challenging environments.” 

AV_Halo INSTINCT is a next-generation autonomy software framework engineered to empower military forces with superior multi-platform Uncrewed System (UxS) command and control (C2). Designed with rigorous input from operational experts, INSTINCT delivers distributed, collaborative mission execution for new and legacy platforms across Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), loitering, counter- Uncrewed Aircraft System (C-UAS) and precision strike profiles with C2 integration. 

Benefits of INSTINCT: 

  • Reduces operator workload, enabling focus on mission intent over platform control  
  • Natural language tasking for faster, more intuitive command and control  
  • Integrates with AV_Halo MENTOR to accelerate training and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) development with realistic, multi-level simulation 
  • Modular, MOSA-based architecture for rapid integration and deployment on SWaP-C constrained systems  
  • Mission-proven performance in major U.S. military operations across contested, multi-domain environments 

AV_Halo DETECT is a breakthrough RF spectrum sensing and networking software suite designed to empower both new and legacy unmanned platforms with advanced communications and mission autonomy. It is engineered with the mission-critical demands of distributed Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), loitering, and precision strike operations in mind. DETECT seamlessly integrates with AV_Halo COMMAND, enabling rapid autonomous response informed by real-time threat perception, even in the most challenging and contested environments. 

Benefits of DETECT: 

  • AI-driven RF Detection enables automatic threat identification and location 
  • Scalable, layered security that complements and enhances existing perimeter systems  
  • Resilient under electronic attack, maintaining detection, comms, and localization  
  • Seamless integration with radar, cameras, access control, and C2 systems  
  • Fills gaps in legacy security architectures for true defense-in-depth  
  • Enterprise-ready, with support, training, and customization to scale with mission needs 

“INSTINCT and DETECT reflect a shift toward integrated autonomy and sensing within a single, open ecosystem,” said Scott Bowman, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Global Engineering at AV. “By distributing intelligence across platforms and delivering a resilient RF picture of the battlespace, we enable customers to integrate faster, adapt tactics rapidly, and maintain operational advantage.” 

Today’s announcement comes less than six months after AV rolled out CORTEX and MENTOR and less than a year since AV released the software suite with COMMAND, PINPOINT and VISION modules. 

As AV continues to expand the platform with additional mission applications, simulation, and intelligence services, AV_Halo is designed to scale with evolving mission requirements and integrate seamlessly across joint, allied, and commercial systems. 

Both AV_Halo INSTINCT and AV_Halo DETECT are available today and can be tailored to specific platforms, sensors, and operational environments. 

About AV  

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 defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain new ones; regulatory changes; competitor activities; market growth; product development challenges; and general economic conditions. For a more detailed discussion of these risks, please refer to AeroVironment’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events. 

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 

For additional media and information, please follow us: 

Media Contact:  

BJ Koubaroulis  
pr@avinc.com 

703.718.4060 

Investor Contact:  

Denise Pacioni 

ir@avinc.com 

805.795.4108 

 

 

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AV Awarded $43M DoW Contract to Integrate PANTHER Phased Array Antenna on SkyRange Platforms for Hypersonic Telemetry

05/12/2026

ARLINGTON, Va., May 11 2026 — The Department of War (DoW) Test Resource Management Center (TRMC) has awarded AeroVironment (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), the leader in all-domain defense technologies, a three-year, $43M contract to integrate its PANTHER (Phased Array Next-gen Telemetry Hypersonic Emitter Receiver) phased array antenna system on DoW SkyRange platforms. This program will enhance the nation’s weapons testing capabilities and accelerate testing timelines by delivering rapidly deployable antenna systems to track multiple targets simultaneously. 

“As near-peer threats evolve and global tensions rise, our country is developing the technologies required to maintain military dominance–and the next-generation tracking and telemetry tools to support them,” said Mary Clum, President of AV’s Space, Cyber & Directed Energy segment. “Alongside our customers at TRMC and across the War Department, AV is transforming the nation’s security testing infrastructure with defense tech innovation to address growing threats.” 

PANTHER creates a scalable, reconfigurable antenna that supports multi-band, multi-target tracking for various missions and test scenarios. The all-digital framework facilitates autonomous operation along with remote access and control. PANTHER is agile, modular, and platform agnostic–delivering a significant increase in efficacy with a reduced footprint as compared to traditional parabolic dish systems currently used to test long-range missiles. Integrating PANTHER on DoW SkyRange platforms provides a mobile, rapidly deployable air-based solution to track multiple targets. 

SkyRange is a DoW TRMC initiative that leverages high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft outfitted with advanced telemetry, communications, and data-collection payloads to create a more flexible, airborne test infrastructure. 

“PANTHER provides a reliable, efficient method for gathering the critical data needed for long-range missile testing,” said Dr. Satya Ponnaluri, Vice President of Hypersonic RF and Radar at AV. “Ultimately, this multi-band, multi-target tracking technology will allow for more frequent testing cycles and faster weapons development timelines for our nation–neutralizing global threats and maintaining our strong national security posture.” 

This program builds upon AV’s proven experience in delivering transformative testing capabilities–drastically reducing technical risks, development costs, and delivery timelines. AV continues to integrate PANTHER on DoW SkyRange platforms at GrandSKY in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The team is collaborating with the state of North Dakota and Bismarck State College to develop a certification program that will train technicians and build a highly-skilled workforce pipeline in support of PANTHER operation and maintenance at GrandSKY.  

About AV  

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 defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain new ones; regulatory changes; competitor activities; market growth; product development challenges; and general economic conditions. For a more detailed discussion of these risks, please refer to AeroVironment’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events. 

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AV’s LOCUST Demonstrates Landmark Capability at White Sands with JIATF-401 and FAA

05/06/2026

Coordinated test confirms safe, controlled laser engagement of drone targets in complex national airspace

AV’s LOCUST ® high-energy laser system undergoes testing at White Sands Missile Range, demonstrating safe, precise counter-drone capability in coordination with DOW–FAA national airspace validation efforts. (Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Army).
AV’s LOCUST ® high-energy laser system undergoes testing at White Sands Missile Range, demonstrating safe, precise counter-drone capability in coordination with DOW–FAA national airspace validation efforts. (Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Army).

 

ARLINGTON, Va. – May 6, 2026 — AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced a historic milestone for directed energy and homeland defense following the successful execution of a first-of-its-kind counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) laser test in coordination with the U.S. Department of War and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

During an early March test event at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), led by Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401), AV’s LOCUST® high-energy laser system demonstrated its ability to safely and effectively defend U.S. national airspace against emerging drone threats, directly supporting a subsequent agreement between the DOW and FAA that validates the system for domestic use.

“This is a defining moment for directed energy and for the future of homeland defense,” said John Garrity, Vice President for Directed Energy Systems at AV. “LOCUST has now proven its ability to operate safely and effectively in the most complex airspace environment in the world. This achievement accelerates the transition of directed energy from experimentation to operational deployment—delivering a scalable, cost-effective solution to counter the rapidly growing drone threat.”

The test at WSMR demonstrated automated safety shut-off capabilities that ensure the system only engages validated targets, among other safety features. The testing also showed no adverse impact to civilian aircraft during controlled evaluation scenarios and showed precision engagement through strict positive identification protocols.

AV’s LOCUST also showed the ability to hit both stationary and airborne targets to demonstrate accuracy, persistence, and operational realism.

“This successful test showcases the significant advancements we’re making in counter-drone technology to ensure that our warfighters have the most advanced tools to defend the homeland,” U.S. Army Brigadier General Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401 said recently in a joint Press Release. “By working hand-in-hand with the FAA and our interagency partners, the Department of War is proving that these cutting-edge capabilities are safe, effective, and ready to protect all air travelers from illicit drone use in the national airspace.”

The demonstration at WSMR comes amid increasing urgency to address drone incursions across U.S. airspace. The successful validation of LOCUST underscores its role as a critical layer in a modern, integrated air defense architecture—providing precision engagement, deep magazine capacity, and the ability to defeat threats at the speed of light.

“The FAA’s top priority is protecting the safety of the American flying public, and we value the collaboration with the Department of War in that effort,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said in the release. “Following a thorough, data-informed Safety Risk Assessment, we determined that these systems do not present an increased risk to the flying public. We will continue working with our interagency partners to ensure the National Airspace System remains safe while addressing emerging drone threats.”

 AV recently announced LOCUST as a key offering in its new rollout of Halo_Shield™, —a layered, tile-based defense architecture that integrates sensors, battle management, and effectors to identify, detect, track, and defeat evolving aerial threats—positioning the company to help defend critical infrastructure, secure borders, and protect the American public as drone incursions continue to rise across U.S. airspace.

“JIATF-401’s coordination across federal partners was instrumental in aligning operational, safety and regulatory stakeholders for this unprecedented test,” said Mary Clum, President of Space, Cyber and Directed Energy at AV. “PEO Missiles & Space – PAE Fires continues to drive directed energy innovation and fielding, while the FAA’s rigorous safety oversight is enabling the responsible integration of these capabilities into national airspace.”

About AV

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 defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain new ones; regulatory changes; competitor activities; market growth; product development challenges; and general economic conditions. For a more detailed discussion of these risks, please refer to AeroVironment’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events.

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U.S. Army Selects AV’s Switchblade® 400 for LASSO Program

05/04/2026

Award establishes Switchblade 400 as key component of Army’s enduring next-generation loitering munition program

ARLINGTON, Va. — May 4, 2026 — AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), today announced that it has been awarded a prototype agreement from the U.S. Army for the Low-Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program to support the rapid development, delivery and testing of the Switchblade® 400 loitering munition.

The award establishes Switchblade 400, AV’s medium-range, man-portable, anti-armor loitering munition, as a key component of the Army’s LASSO Program, supporting the service’s modernization priorities for rapidly deployable, precision strike capabilities that can operate effectively in contested environments.

“This award reflects the Army’s confidence not only in Switchblade 400, but in AV’s ability to deliver at scale,” said Trace Stevenson, President of Autonomous Systems at AV. “Being selected under the LASSO program positions AV as a long-term partner to the Army as it modernizes its loitering munition capabilities, from development and testing through production, fielding, and continuous capability evolution.”

The first loitering munition purpose-built to operate within AV_Halo™, AV’s modular command-and-control ecosystem, Switchblade 400 incorporates advanced aided target recognition (ATR) and autonomous capabilities to detect, classify, and engage targets, day or night, in denied and contested environments while delivering the same anti-armor performance comparable to larger systems, like the Switchblade 600 Blk 2.

Core to Switchblade 400 is the implementation of a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) in system design to ensure long term system resilience and relevance allowing for interoperability, upgradeability, and affordability as missions evolve.

Known as the “Lightweight Tank Destroyer,” and sized to fit common launch tubes, Switchblade 400 enables a sensor-to-shooter concept of operations that allows a single soldier to detect, identify, and engage targets through a unified, networked architecture – shortening decision timelines while increasing precision, speed, and operational flexibility at the tactical edge. The system features an all-up round (AUR) weighing under 40 pounds that provides the soldier with a lightweight, man-portable, anti-tank weapon system.

“Switchblade 400 is the product of continuous feedback from the field and the soldiers who rely on our systems in real-world operations,” said Brian Young, Senior Vice President of Loitering Munitions at AV. “We are constantly leaning forward, integrating new capabilities, enhancing performance, and reducing the burden on the warfighter. That soldier-driven approach is central to how we develop, test, and deliver capability for the Army.”

The new OTA award under LASSO follows a recent $186 million delivery order from the U.S. Army for Switchblade®600 Block 2 and Switchblade® 300 Block 20 explosively formed penetrator (EFP) loitering munition systems, part of the Army’s existing five-year, $990 million Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract under the Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS) Directed Requirement (DR), which was awarded in August 2024.  It was the Army’s first Switchblade order containing EFP payload, delivering enhanced lethality against armored threats.

“The Army’s trust in the Switchblade family has been earned through years of real-world use by soldiers who rely on these systems every day,” said Jimmy Jenkins, Executive Vice President of Precision Strike and Defense Systems at AV. “That trust reflects a clear operational need for precision, speed, and adaptability at the tactical edge—capabilities the Switchblade family is designed to deliver as missions and threats continue to change.”

About AV

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 defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain new ones; regulatory changes; competitor activities; market growth; product development challenges; and general economic conditions. For a more detailed discussion of these risks, please refer to AeroVironment’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events.

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AV Announces Halo_Shield™, Comprehensive Tile-Based C-UAS Solution

04/28/2026

Unique, Modular Layered Defense Architecture System Combines the Best of AV and its OEM Suppliers to Protect Critical Asset Locations
Halo Shield
Halo_Shield™ is a modular, tile-based defense that delivers scalable, layered protection to detect, track, and defeat evolving aerial threats across the modern battlespace. (Photo AV)

ARLINGTON, Va. — April 28, 2026 — AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in multi-domain defense solutions today announced the release of Halo_Shield™, a modular, distributed, and cost-effective counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) designed to predict, detect, track, identify and defeat advanced airborne threats—including Group 1–5 UAS, coordinated drone swarms, and subsonic cruise missiles—protecting critical infrastructure and deployed forces worldwide.

AV made the announcement at Modern Day Marine on April 28 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

Developed as part of AV’s holistically integrated C-UAS strategy, Halo_Shield introduces a unique, tile-based layered defense architecture that is open, scalable, and adaptable to today’s evolving threats. The system is designed to support emerging homeland defense priorities by enabling resilient, area-wide protection of high-value U.S. and allied partner assets, including borders, military installations, and other critical infrastructure. AV is currently demonstrating capabilities and has deployed Halo_Shield tiles at select critical sites.

“The character of the air threat has fundamentally changed,” said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer at AV. “Cheap, massed, and coordinated aerial systems are stressing traditional point defenses. Halo_Shield is our answer—a collaborative, modular approach that brings together the best of AV and a trusted supplier ecosystem to close those gaps.”

At the core of Halo_Shield is a mission-tailored, distributed and domain-specific tile architecture—comprising Sentinel, Terrestrial, Nautical, Aerial and Celestial tiles. Each tile delivers a specialized combination of sensors, effectors, and command-and-control capabilities, drawing on technology from AV and its trusted ecosystem of suppliers. The result is a cost-efficient defense architecture that is offense-ready, extends protection beyond point defense and sustains decisive situational advantage in contested battlespaces across air, land, sea and space.

Designed for plug-and-play integration, Halo_Shield is deployable as portable fly-away kits and integrates seamlessly with existing customer sensors, effectors, and command-and-control frameworks—delivering scalable, resilient, area-wide protection with minimal training and personnel demands. Powered by AV_Halo™, AV’s unified software platform, the system is purpose-built yet agnostic, designed to incorporate new capabilities while seamlessly integrating with customers’ existing command-and-control systems.

“Halo_Shield is engineered like an edge processing-capable set of tiles for modern air defense,” said Larry Lloyd, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at AV. “Each tile is a self-contained capability that can operate on its own or snap together to build exactly the defense architecture a mission demands. That modularity lets operators scale, adapt, and reconfigure in real time as threats evolve, without redesigning the system or retraining the force. It’s how you move from static point defense to a living, mission-tailored shield.”

The unique tile-based architecture integrates a tailored mix of sensors and effectors from AV and its trusted partners, unified by an overarching battle manager. It includes systems such as AV’s LOCUST® laser weapon system, Switchblade® loitering munitions, and Titan® 4 and Titan MS RF C-UAS systems, among others.

With AV_Halo™ COMMAND, each tile can operate independently or be rapidly combined to extend detection ranges, accelerate the kill chain, and expand coverage across large geographic areas for preferential engagement.

Halo_Shield is a game-changing architecture:

  • Affordably extending defensive protection beyond traditional C-UAS point defense
  • Optimizing sensors and effectors placement to maximize mission effectiveness
  • Maximizing the system’s weapons carrying capacity to address all threat scenarios
  • Disaggregating the C-UAS mitigation cycle at the tile level to simplify higher echelon command and control (C2) workload
  • Integrating left of launch with offensive delivery to thwart threats prior to attack

More information about each tile, Sentinel, Terrestrial, Nautical, Aerial and Celestial, will be released in upcoming announcements.

About AV

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 defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain new ones; regulatory changes; competitor activities; market growth; product development challenges; and general economic conditions. For a more detailed discussion of these risks, please refer to AeroVironment’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events.

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AV Successfully Demonstrates LOCUST Laser Weapon System Aboard USS George H.W. Bush

04/21/2026

ARLINGTON, Va., April 21, 2026 – AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced the successful demonstration of its palletized LOCUST® Laser Weapon System (LWS) aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) in October 2025 in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO).

During the live-fire event, the Palletized High Energy Laser (P-HEL) system tracked, engaged, and neutralized multiple target drones—marking a major milestone toward fielding operational directed energy capabilities across all domains and platforms. This achievement validates that the LOCUST LWS is truly platform-agnostic, seamlessly transitioning from fixed-site and land-based mobile platforms, such as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), to the dynamic and demanding environment of a maneuvering aircraft carrier.

“LOCUST delivers effective, all-domain protection against emerging drone threats at the speed of light—on any platform, in any domain, for any mission,” said John Garrity, Vice President of Directed Energy Systems at AV. “Rolling LOCUST onto a ship and quickly initiating operations facilitates the expanded use of high-energy lasers across the Fleet without the need for costly, time-consuming ship modifications. This is a game-changer for the Navy and for our national security.”

LOCUST’s successful shipboard operation showcases:

  • True platform flexibility: Rapid integration across ground and maritime platforms
  • Ship compatibility: LOCUST features roll-on, roll-off capabilities and can recharge its battery bank or fully run off ship’s power,–marrying an unlimited DE magazine with an essentially unlimited power source while reducing logistical footprint and integration complexity
  • Precision aim point and beam control: Accurately acquiring targets, tracking, and eliminating threats on a dynamic, moving shipboard platform
  • Proven lethality: Engaging and defeating multiple aerial threats in a realistic operational environment
  • Cross-service commonality: Open interfaces and a common laser weapon system architecture fulfill the requirements of multiple services

AV’s LOCUST family of high-energy laser systems provides scalable, proven solutions for countering unmanned aerial systems and other evolving threats, enabling the joint force to defend against emerging challenges with unmatched precision, speed, and efficiency–on land and at sea. LOCUST is part of AV’s suite of layered C-UAS solutions, including the radio frequency (RF)-based Titan C-UASTM family of products and the Freedom Eagle (FE-1) kinetic missile–all enabled by AV_Halo open architecture software.

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Army Selects AV’s VAPOR® CLE for Medium Range Reconnaissance Program

04/20/2026

ARLINGTON, Va., April 20, 2026 — AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global defense technology leader, today announced it was awarded a $14.6 million production contract by the U.S. Army for the VAPOR® Compact Long Endurance (CLE) unmanned aircraft system (UAS), its all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) platform, under the Company-Level Directed Requirement (CoLvl DR) Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (SUAS), Tranche 2.

The award supports the Army’s Medium Range Reconnaissance (MRR) initiative, one of the Army’s ongoing unmanned systems procurements.

“Being selected for the Company-Level Directed Requirement validates VAPOR CLE’s performance, adaptability, and mission value,” said Jason Hendrix, Vice President and General Manager of SUAS at AV. “This award reflects AV’s commitment to delivering operationally relevant, rapidly deployable solutions that meet the Army’s urgent needs and evolving mission requirements.”

The Army’s CoLvl DR effort delivers commercially available SUAS capabilities to Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) to meet immediate operational needs, emphasizing UAS as a complete system. This approach enables modular, reconfigurable, and attritable payloads for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition, while enhancing adaptability, operational effectiveness, and soldier-driven experimentation to shape future requirements.

Engineered for demanding missions, the VAPOR CLE all-electric helicopter UAS sets a new standard for endurance, payload capacity, and field adaptability. Designed for operations across austere environments — from Arctic terrain to contested maritime conditions — the platform combines rugged reliability with a compact, deploy-anywhere design. Its modular open architecture and multi-sensor payload bay make it one of the most versatile small VTOL systems available.

Its folding airframe and compact pack-out system enable case-to-flight in as little as two minutes, delivering exceptional portability and speed to launch. Ruggedized for extreme weather and harsh sea states, VAPOR CLE can carry up to 24 pounds of payload or lethal munitions and deliver up to two hours of endurance, outperforming other all-electric quadcopters and competing helicopter UAS platforms in its class.

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AV’s Precision Hardware Points Artemis II Laser Link to Earth

04/15/2026

Laser Communications BannerARLINGTON, Va. – April 15, 2026 – AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced that its precision pointing hardware was on board NASA’s historic Artemis II Mission as part of the Orion Artemis II Optical Communications System (O2O) – a laser communications terminal developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory in collaboration with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

During the Artemis II mission, O2O used lasers to send high-resolution video and images of the lunar surface back to Earth. AV’s best-in-class laser gimbal allowed the spacecraft to precisely point the laser at terrestrial receivers, providing high‑speed data links between astronauts in lunar orbit and ground stations. The technology enabled data transfer at speeds “orders of magnitude more than we get via our S-band telemetry system,” NASA Flight Director Rick Henfling told the New York Times.

“Contributing to the Artemis II mission is an honor for our team,” said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer at AV. “Our role is focused but critical: making sure the laser communications beam is precisely pointed back to Earth so that astronauts can send large volumes of data quickly and reliably.”

As part of O2O payload, AV delivered a two-axis gimbal and launch latch assembly that provided coarse pointing of the laser communications beam toward the ground station as the spacecraft changed orientation during its mission. The O2O laser communications terminal was delivered to NASA in 2023 to support the Artemis II mission.

“Laser communications systems like O2O dramatically increase the speed and amount of data a mission can send and receive in a single transmission compared to traditional radio frequency systems,” said Mary Clum, President of Space, Cyber and Directed Energy at AV. “When you can return more images, more video and more science data, you accelerate discovery — and that’s what ultimately advances human exploration.”

AV also supplied multiple fast steering mirrors that provide jitter stabilization and extremely fine pointing adjustments to compensate for small motions on board the spacecraft caused by equipment operation, crew movement and environmental disturbances while in flight.

All of these components are precision‑engineered to survive the intense vibration and acceleration of launch on one of the world’s largest rockets and then deliver ultra‑stable performance in space. Together, they enable payload pointing with an accuracy on the order of a single micro‑radian—roughly equivalent to hitting a one millimeter target from one kilometer away.

Historically, AV has delivered over 150 subsystems across critical mission areas, including laser communications, for a range of customers. AV’s work on the Artemis II laser communications terminal builds on the company’s decades of experience in advanced electro‑optical systems, precision pointing mechanisms and mission‑critical hardware for challenging space environments.

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