Category: Press Release

Press Release

AeroVironment Announces Fiscal 2026 Second Quarter Results

12/09/2025

ARLINGTON, VA, December 9, 2025 — AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) (“AeroVironment” or the “Company”) reported today financial results for the fiscal second quarter ended November 1, 2025.

Second Quarter Highlights:

  • Record second quarter revenue of $472.5 million up, 151% year-over-year; with BlueHalo contributing $245.1 million and legacy revenue of $227.4 million up 21% year-over year
  • Bookings of $1.4 billion; Book-to-bill ratio of 2.9

“AV is operating from a position of strength as evidenced by our record second quarter results, all-time high bookings and long-term contract wins,” said Wahid Nawabi, AeroVironment chairman, president and chief executive officer. “We have built a portfolio of integrated capabilities and advanced technologies to meet the market’s accelerating demand and serve as a partner of choice in critical moments. While we are pleased with our results for the quarter, we are just getting started. We are confident that our unmatched innovation, strategic partnerships and agility to expand our manufacturing capacity enable us to address evolving defense needs and lead the generational shift in defense over the longer-term.” 

Fiscal 2026 Second Quarter Results

Revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was $472.5 million, an increase of 151% as compared to $188.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, due to higher product sales of $173.8 million and higher service revenue of $110.2 million. The acquisition of BlueHalo on May 1, 2025 contributed to $134.4 million and $110.7 million of the current quarter product and service revenue, respectively. From a segment standpoint, Autonomous Systems (“AxS”) recorded revenue of $301.6 million and Space, Cyber and Directed Energy (“SCDE”) recorded revenue of $170.9 million.

Gross margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was $104.1 million, an increase of 41% as compared to $73.6 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, reflecting higher product margin of $19.5 million and higher service margin of $11.0 million. Fiscal 2026 second quarter gross margin was negatively impacted by $24.2 million of intangible amortization expense and other related non-cash purchase accounting expenses, as compared to $3.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2025. As a percentage of revenue, gross margin fell to 22% from 39%, primarily due to an increase in the proportion of service revenue resulting from the BlueHalo acquisition and the increased amortization and other non-cash purchase accounting expenses.

Loss from operations for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was $(30.2) million as compared to income from operations of $7.0 million for the second quarter of last fiscal year. The current quarter was negatively impacted by $48.2 million of intangible amortization and other related non-cash purchase accounting expenses as compared to $4.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2025. The decrease year-over-year was primarily due to an increase in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense of $60.4 million, which includes an increase of $24.0 million of intangible amortization expense, incremental headcount resulting from our acquisition of BlueHalo which closed on May 1, 2025, and an increase of $4.6 million of acquisition related expenses; an increase in research and development (“R&D”) expense of $7.3 million; partially offset by an increase in gross margin of $30.5 million.

Other income, net for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was $9.6 million, as compared to other loss, net of $(0.7) million for the second quarter of fiscal 2025. The increase year-over-year was primarily due to an increase in interest income due to a combination of higher cash and investment balances, lower intertest bearing debt balances and an increase in unrealized gains on equity security investments.

Benefit from income taxes for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was $(2.3) million, as compared to $(0.2) million for the second quarter of last fiscal year. The increase year-over-year was primarily due to the loss before income taxes.

Net loss for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was $(17.1) million, or $(0.34) per diluted share, as compared to net income of $7.5 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, in the prior-year period, respectively. The current quarter was negatively impacted by $48.2 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, of intangible amortization and other related non-cash purchase accounting expenses as compared to $4.8 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2025.

Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was $45.0 million and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share were $0.44, as compared to $25.9 million and $0.47, respectively, for the second quarter of fiscal 2025. 

Backlog

As of November 1, 2025, funded backlog (defined as remaining performance obligations under firm orders for which funding is currently appropriated to us under a customer contract) was $1.1 billion, as compared to $726.6 million as of April 30, 2025.

Fiscal 2026 — Outlook for the Full Year 

For fiscal year 2026, the Company now expects revenue of between $1.95 billion and $2.0 billion, net loss of between $(38) million and $(30) million, non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA of between $300 million and $320 million, loss per diluted share of between $(0.76) and $(0.61) and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share, which excludes amortization of intangible assets, other non-cash purchase accounting expenses, equity securities investments gains or losses, and equity method income or loss of between $3.40 and $3.55.

The foregoing estimates are forward-looking and reflect management’s view of current and future market conditions, subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including certain assumptions with respect to our ability to efficiently and on a timely basis integrate acquisitions, obtain and retain government contracts, changes in the timing and/or amount of government spending, react to changes in the demand for our products and services, activities of competitors, changes in the regulatory environment, and general economic and business conditions in the United States and elsewhere in the world. Investors are reminded that actual results may differ materially from these estimates and investors should review all risks related to achievement of the guidance reflected under “forward-looking statements” below and in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Conference Call and Presenation

In conjunction with this release, AeroVironment, Inc. will host a conference call today, Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 4:30 pm Eastern Time that will be webcast live. Wahid Nawabi, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Kevin P. McDonnell, executive vice president and chief financial officer, and Denise Pacioni, investor relations director, will host the call.

Investors may access the call by registering via the following participant registration link up to ten minutes prior to the start time.

Participant registration URL:

https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI46fe71ad422544adbca6658227be91e7

Investors may also listen to the live audio webcast via the Investor Relations page of the AeroVironment, Inc. website, http://investor.avinc.com. Please allow 15 minutes prior to the call to download and install any necessary audio software.

A supplementary investor presentation for the second quarter fiscal year 2026 can be accessed at https://investor.avinc.com/events-and-presentations.

Audio Replay

An audio replay of the event will be archived on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at http://investor.avinc.com.

About AeroVironment, Icn.

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, precision strike systems, 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. With a national manufacturing footprint and a deep innovation pipeline, AV delivers proven systems and future-defining capabilities with speed, scale, and operational relevance. For more information visit: www.avinc.com. 

Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements, and may contain words such as “will,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project,” “plan,” or words or phrases with similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are based on 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 the forward-looking statements.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the impact of our ability to successfully close and integrate acquisitions into our operations and avoid disruptions from acquisition transactions that will harm our business; the recording of goodwill and other intangible assets as part of acquisitions that are subject to potential impairments in the future and any realization of such impairments; any actual or threatened disruptions to our relationships with our distributors, suppliers, customers and employees, including shortages in components for our products, whether due to restrictions and sanctions imposed by foreign governments or otherwise; the ability to timely and sufficiently integrate international operations into our ongoing business and compliance programs; reliance on sales to the U.S. government, including uncertainties in classification, pricing or potentially burdensome imposed terms for certain types of government contracts; availability of U.S. government funding for defense procurement and R&D programs; our ability to win U.S. and international government R&D and procurement programs, including foreign military financing aid; changes in the timing and/or amount of government spending, including due to continuing resolutions and/or changing government priorities; adverse impacts of any U.S. government shutdown; our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the BlueHalo transaction or other acquisitions; our ability to execute contracts for anticipated sales, perform under such contracts and other existing contracts and obtain new contracts; risks related to our international business, including compliance with export control laws; the extensive and increasing regulatory requirements governing our contracts with the U.S. government and international customers; the consequences to our financial position, business and reputation that could result from failing to comply with such regulatory requirements; unexpected technical and marketing difficulties inherent in major research and product development efforts; the impact of potential security and cyber threats or the risk of unauthorized access to and resulting misuse of our, our customers’ and/or our suppliers’ information and systems; failure to remain a market innovator, to create new market opportunities or to expand into new markets; our ability to increase production capacity to support anticipated growth; unexpected changes in significant operating expenses, including components and raw materials; failure to develop new products or integrate new technology into current products; any increase in litigation activity or unfavorable results in legal proceedings, including pending class actions, or litigation that may arise from or in conjunction with our recent acquisition of BlueHalo; our ability to respond and adapt to legal, regulatory and government budgetary changes; our ability to comply with the covenants in our loan documents, outstanding convertible notes or merger agreement with BlueHalo; our ability to attract and retain skilled employees, including retention of BlueHalo employees; the impact of inflation; and general economic and business conditions in the United States and elsewhere in the world; and the failure to establish and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting. 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.

Non-GAAP Measures

In addition to the financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), this earnings release also contains non-GAAP financial measures. See in the financial tables below the calculation of these measures, the reasons why we believe these measures provide useful information to investors, and a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

See full financial tables at investor.avinc.com.

 

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

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AV Awarded $13.2M Contract to Provide P550 UAS for U.S. Army’s Long Range Reconnaissance (LRR) Program

12/08/2025

AV Awarded $13.2M Contract to Provide P550 UAS for U.S. Army’s Long Range Reconnaissance (LRR) Program

ARLINGTON, Va., December 8, 2025 – AV, with partner Parry Labs, has been awarded a 3-year Other Transaction Agreement with an initial base contract value of $13.2M with additional options for a total potential contract value of $42M to provide the newly developed P550™ uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for the U.S. Army’s Long Range Reconnaissance (LRR) program. The all-battery electric, high-performance P550 delivers long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities alongside lethal effects crucial to the LRR mission. AV will deliver P550 system updates along with support and documentation deliverables to the U.S. Army, PEO Aviation, PM UAS, PdM SUAS for testing, evaluation, and integration into the Army Family of Systems.  This award is in addition to the previously announced delivery of P550 systems to PM UAS.

“AV’s LRR offering was engineered to meet the Army’s unique needs, resulting in an architecture tailored to match battalion-level battlefield requirements,” said Jason Hendrix, AV’s vice president of Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems. “AV has a strong track record of providing both ISR and lethal effect solutions to the U.S. Armed Forces. We are confident that P550 will effectively bridge the current capability gap, providing the Army with critical functionalities in a single, adaptable platform.”

Equipped with advanced AI and autonomous capabilities, P550 serves as a readily deployable asset for enhanced situational awareness, force protection, and targeting capabilities in contested environments. Its toolless quick-connect airframe and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) system reduce soldier exposure to adversarial fire.

“From its inception, P550 was designed with a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA),” continued Hendrix. “The ability to swiftly install and exchange payloads, update mission software, and interoperate with other Army elements depending on mission requirements is crucial to operational success and soldier safety. AV’s partnership with Parry Labs integrates their proven mission system components into P550, offering best-in-class solutions that anticipate soldier needs. P550 embodies a true MOSA system, providing maximum flexibility with minimal logistical demands.”

P550 represents a significant advancement in AV’s commitment to equipping soldiers with adaptable, mission-ready tools that enhance battlefield effectiveness while minimizing logistical burdens. As a versatile, cutting-edge platform, P550 is poised to support the Army’s LRR needs and elevate the operational readiness of U.S. forces.

 

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

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AeroVironment Awarded $874M Foreign Military Sales IDIQ to Deliver UAS and C-UAS Systems to Allied & Partner Forces

AeroVironment Awarded $874M Foreign Military Sales IDIQ to Deliver UAS and C-UAS Systems to Allied & Partner Forces

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

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AeroVironment, Inc. to Present at Goldman Sachs’ Industrials and Materials Conference

11/19/2025

AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) will participate in the upcoming Goldman Sachs’ Industrials and Materials Conference in New York, New York. AV’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, Wahid Nawabi, and AV’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, Kevin McDonnell, will take part in a fireside chat on December 3 at 8:00 a.m. ET | 9:00 a.m. CT | 11:00 a.m. PT. The fireside chat will be available by webcast at the times listed above and archived on our website.

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

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AV Selected for U.S. Army Next-Generation C-UAS Missile Program, Awarded $95.9M Contract to Deliver FE-1 for U.S. Army’s Long-Range Kinetic Interceptor (LRKI) Program

10/22/2025

AV Selected for U.S. Army Next-Generation C-UAS Missile Program, Awarded $95.9M Contract to Deliver FE-1 for U.S. Army's Long-Range Kinetic Interceptor (LRKI) Program

HUNTSVILLE, Al., October 22, 2025 – AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a leading provider of Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) and advanced air and missile defense technologies, has been selected to deliver the U.S. Army’s Next-Generation C-UAS Missile (NGCM). Along with this selection, AV was awarded a $95.9 million contract for the U.S. Army’s Long-Range Kinetic Interceptor (LRKI) program through the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (CCDC AvMC) Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium® (AMTC). As part of the LRKI program, AV will manufacture and deliver its Freedom Eagle (FE-1) kinetic C-UAS missile.

“FE-1 strengthens our nation’s air defense arsenal by providing an urgently needed kinetic C-UAS solution–built to fill the gaps in today’s defense capabilities and meet the adversarial threats of tomorrow,” said Jimmy Jenkins, Executive Vice President of AV’s Precision Strike and Defense Systems Group. “This selection by the U.S. Army is a testament to AV’s intentional investments, unmatched agility and technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to our nation’s national security priorities. We are quickly scaling production to deliver FE-1 to the frontlines, where they’ll provide critical warfighter protection and inform our development for full-rate manufacturing.”

FE-1 is a low-cost, high-performance solution to neutralize 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. It has already achieved several key development milestones, including a successful live-fire demonstration of its dual-thrust solid rocket motor, controlled test vehicle (CTV) launches, and warhead tests. These achievements demonstrate FE-1’s technological maturity and reduced technical risk in preparation for field deployment.

“FE-1 is more than just a missile. It’s a transformative capability for next-generation air and missile defense,” said Daniel Noland, Senior Director of Strategic Capture for AV. “Our team–side by side with our industry partners and U.S. Army customers–has put in long hours in the lab and on the range because they believed in the mission: to rapidly develop the technology our warfighters need to tackle our nation’s toughest aerial threats. We’re ready to transition this disruptive technology from research and development to the battlefield and focused on ramping up manufacturing to deliver with scale and speed.”

To successfully deliver an entirely new kinetic platform built to counter rapidly evolving air threats on a rapid timeline, AV developed critical strategic partnerships and assembled a team of industry experts–including Applied Systems Engineering Inc. (“ASEI”), a leading provider of engineering and avionics solutions.

FE-1 joins AV’s portfolio of industry-leading C-UAS solutions, including Directed Energy (DE), Radio Frequency (RF)-based, and Electronic Warfare (EW) systems. The company is also a leading provider of precision strike and loitering munitions, including Switchblade and JUMP 20 which have proven success in austere battlespaces around the world. Together, these capabilities form an end-to-end, multi-domain defense architecture designed to address the most advanced UAS 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

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AV and Korean Air Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Medium Unmanned Aircraft Systems for the Republic of Korea

10/21/2025

AV and Korean Air Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Medium Unmanned Aircraft Systems for the Republic of Korea

SEOUL, Republic of Korea, October 21, 2025 — AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in all-domain unmanned systems, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that positions Korean Air as its priority partner in the Republic of Korea.

This alliance will focus on integrating and adapting AV’s JUMP® 20 Group 3 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), fixed-wing uncrewed aircraft to meet the specific needs of the Korean Defense market. It also establishes a foundation for long-term joint research and development, sustained innovation, and local production – supporting efforts by the Korean Ministry of National Defense to grow its unmanned system infrastructure and expand manufacturing within the country.

“This agreement signals our growing international footprint, market presence, and commitment to delivering adaptable solutions in collaboration with trusted, in-country partners around the world,” said Larry Satterfield, AV’s Senior Director of Business Development for Asia Pacific. “With incredible mission flexibility and a rapidly growing global demand for the platform, JUMP 20 will anchor our partnership with Korean Air and meet Korea’s emerging defense needs.”

By leveraging AV’s operational track record and Korean Air’s defense ecosystem, the collaboration ensures Korea’s armed forces gain a mission-ready MUAS solution built to meet evolving regional and global defense challenges.

With proven endurance, range, and multi-payload flexibility, JUMP 20 is the ideal platform for advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations and a wide range of evolving mission demands. It has emerged as the global Group 3 platform of choice, with recently awarded contracts across Europe, including Denmark, Italy, and multiple other NATO allies.

 

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.

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AV to Deploy Golden Dome for America Limited Area Defense Inner Layer Framework at Grand Forks Air Force Base

10/14/2025

AV to Deploy Golden Dome for America Limited Area Defense Inner Layer Framework at Grand Forks Air Force Base

GRAND FORKS, ND – [October 14, 2025] – AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in multi-layered counter-drone defense technology, today announced an expanded collaboration with GrandSKY, the nation’s first commercial unmanned aerial system (UAS) business and aviation park, to establish the foundation of its Golden Dome for America limited area defense architecture at Grand Forks Air Force Base (AFB) in North Dakota.

Working with GrandSKY, AV will deploy its inner layer distributed counter-UAS (C-UAS) capabilities, the backbone of a layered defense architecture–designed to counter the growing threat of malicious UAS and aerial threats targeting the nation’s critical infrastructure at Grand Forks AFB.

Aligned with AV’s partnership with SNC for the Golden Dome for America initiative, this deployment will include the integration of AV’s Titan and Titan-SV RF-based platforms for long-range detection and identification, unified through the AV_Halo™ COMMAND software platform that fuses diverse sensor and surveillance data into a single, mission-ready operating picture for C-UAS and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) airspace awareness.

“We’re deploying technologies that deliver unmatched situational awareness to Grand Forks AFB while providing a road map to expand these limited area defense capabilities at critical sites throughout the nation in support of Golden Dome for America,” said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of AV. “By combining our surveillance and edge-intelligence technologies with the vision of GrandSKY and the support of leaders, like Senator Hoeven, we are accelerating solutions that will protect critical U.S. military installations and the service members who operate within them.”

“North Dakota is the premier location for developing both applications for unmanned aircraft and protections against the misuse of drone technology, and bringing AV’s counter-UAS system to GrandSKY accelerates the important work being done through initiatives like Project ULTRA,” said Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.). “Counter-drone is a critical priority for the future of our nation’s defense. We’ve seen in Israel and Ukraine how drones are being used to wage war in new and dangerous ways. The capabilities and partnerships we’ve built in the Grand Forks region will enable our nation to tackle this emerging threat, and we appreciate AV for its growing commitment to GrandSKY and the important role its technology will play in these efforts.”

This collaboration builds on the March 2025 memorandum of understanding (MOU) between AV and GrandSKY in support of Project ULTRA, Hoeven’s $110 million public-private initiative to establish Grand Forks as the nation’s proving ground for advanced counter-UAS defense. Through this collaboration, AV has already integrated AV_Halo COMMAND Mission software, formerly VigilantHalo, into GrandSKY’s BVLOS flight operations, enhancing airspace awareness and control while expanding counter-UAS capacity at the 217-acre flight center.

“We’re excited to grow our relationship with AV. What started as a partnership to explore ground-based sense and avoid tools for UAS operations is now expanding to support multi-layered counter-UAS capabilities,” said Tom Swoyer, Jr., President at GrandSKY. “Deploying these technologies will give us a path to support a variety of UAS and Counter-UAS tests, operations and demonstrations. One of the most significant advantages we gain is the ability to collaborate closely with our partners at Grand Forks Air Force Base. Through Project ULTRA, we will explore and understand the comprehensive requirements needed to effectively defend against UAS threats and be better equipped to address the full range of challenges and ensure our nation’s domestic defenses capabilities are robust and adaptable.”

###

About GrandSKY

GrandSKY is a UAS-focused flight operations center on Grand Forks AFB in Grand Forks County, North Dakota. The 217-acre flight center provides Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) tenants and partners with unmatched research, development, training, and testing amenities. GrandSKY leverages access to the Air Force runway and tower support with commercial amenities and investment through a unique public-private partnership supporting civilian and military UAS flight operations. GrandSKY has been offering industry-leading amenities such as over 11,000 square miles of BVLOS capability and 24/7 operations.  For more information, visit grandskynd.com.

 

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.

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pr@avinc.com

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AV Appoints Mary Clum as President of Fast-Growing Space, Cyber and Directed Energy Business

10/13/2025

AV Appoints Mary Clum as President of Fast-Growing Space, Cyber and Directed Energy BusinessARLINGTON, Va., October 13, 2025 – AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced that current Executive Vice President, Space & Directed Energy (DE) Mission Systems Mary Clum has been appointed President of the company’s Space, Cyber & Directed Energy (SCDE) business segment, effective October 24, 2025. Clum will report directly to Chairman, President & CEO Wahid Nawabi. Trip Ferguson, who has decided to step down, will remain at the company for a limited period to ensure a smooth transition.

With more than 25 years of industry experience, Clum has honed her ability to develop and deliver highly technical defense products. She joined AV in May 2025 through the company’s acquisition of BlueHalo, where she served [on the Executive Leadership team] as President of the Product & Space Systems portfolio. In that role, she oversaw product innovation and manufacturing operations, driving growth across the portfolio and ensuring alignment with the company’s long-term strategic objectives. Earlier in her career, Clum spent more than a decade at Raytheon Company, including as the Senior Manager for the Directed Energy and Mobile Range product areas.

“Mary has the experience, expertise, and resolve to lead SCDE as we enhance our industry-leading technologies, scale our production capabilities, innovate into new markets, and strengthen our relationships with our partners,” said Nawabi. “Since joining AV, Mary has expertly guided emerging technologies – including directed energy weapon systems and long-haul space laser communication terminals – from concept to reality with the urgency required to fulfill critical national security missions. We are confident she will continue to advance our growth and leadership in SCDE.”

“I’m excited to guide SCDE’s talented team as we take our mission even further,” said Clum. “Across all domains, the SCDE team is engineering a safer future for our nation and its allies. Our people have provided more than 260 systems on orbit, with proven performance in the harshest environments. They are delivering advanced solutions, supporting orbital warfare, space domain awareness, resilient communications, command and control, all while degrading adversarial capabilities.”

Nawabi added, “I am grateful for Trip’s steadfast leadership of SCDE. His impact has positioned SCDE for continued success and we wish him the very best.”

“It has been a privilege to lead AV’s SCDE segment,” said Trip Ferguson. “Over the past three years, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Mary and have seen firsthand her innovative vision. I know SCDE is in good hands with her at the helm and believe AV is well positioned to capitalize on the range of market opportunities ahead. I look forward to watching the continued growth of AV as I spend more time with my family.”

Michael Pace, AV’s Senior Vice President of Space RF Systems, will be elevated to Senior Vice President of Space & DE Mission Systems. Pace, who is a technical subject matter expert in advanced technologies, including digital beamformed phased arrays and software-defined architectures. Pace joins Johnathan Jones, who recently assumed the role of Senior Vice President of Cyber and Mission Solutions, to comprise Clum’s SCDE leadership team.

###

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 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.

 

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AV Launches Next-Generation VAPOR CLE, Compact Long Endurance Helicopter UAS

AV Launches Next-Generation VAPOR CLE, Compact Long Endurance Helicopter UAS

VAPOR CLE adds autonomy, reduces size and weight, increases flight duration and payload flexibility

ARLINGTON, Va. – October 13, 2025 – AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in all-domain defense systems, today announced the release of its newest all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) platform–the VAPOR Compact Long Endurance (CLE) unmanned aircraft system (UAS).

Building on the proven performance of previous VAPOR models, the VAPOR CLE helicopter sets a new standard for Group 2 UAS with a more compact, enduring, and mission-ready design with on-board computer integration that transforms the VTOL into a fully autonomous system. VAPOR CLE supports multi-mission operations–from intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and electronic warfare (EW) to precision strike and logistics resupply.

“Every detail of the VAPOR CLE reflects an upgrade driven by real-world mission needs,” said Jason Hendrix, Vice President of Small Uncrewed Systems for AV. “By doubling endurance, increasing lift, and adding onboard autonomy, we’ve transformed the system into a combat-ready tool that gives warfighters more capability in a smaller, more adaptable package.”

The newly integrated NVIDIA ORIN onboard computer makes the VAPOR CLE fully autonomous and enables Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) through AV_Halo VISION (previously AV’s SPOTR-Edge™) computer vision software and WISARD™ Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) processing suite. The compact packout case measures 7 cubic feet and weighs 35 pounds—a 50% reduction from earlier models—with tool-less assembly, making it ideal for transport and rapid deployment. It delivers up to two hours of persistent flight—double the endurance of typical Group 2 quad rotor-craft platforms.

Built with a Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) to support third-party integration, VAPOR CLE integrates with 26 unique payloads– including optical sensors, communications relays, electronic warfare, and integrated lethal payloads, including the Orbital Research Lab 60/81mm mortar CLiK (DEVCOM AC standardization) and Corvid Shryke Guided Munition and IS4S 40mm munition. The VAPOR CLE is compatible with AV_Halo COMMAND tactical handheld controller and is worldwide operational frequency capable with an encrypted data link that can transmit classified information to distances greater than 10km line of sight.

“We built the VAPOR CLE around what warfighters told us they needed most—more time over target, greater lift for mission-critical payloads, and a system rugged enough to survive the toughest environments,” said Jason Wright, AV’s senior product line manager. “Those upgrades mean troops can carry less gear, set up faster, and count on a single platform to perform multiple roles in the field.”

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 AV’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:

 

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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.

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pr@avinc.com

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AV Unveils Next Generation of Switchblade® Loitering Munitions

AV Unveils Next Generation of Switchblade® Loitering Munitions

Switchblade 600 Block 2, Switchblade 400, and Switchblade 300 Block 20 with EFP Deliver Multi-Domain, Scalable Lethality and Mission Flexibility 

ARLINGTON, Va. — October 13, 2025 — AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), the leading global provider of loitering munition systems, today announced the expansion of its combat-proven Switchblade® family of precision loitering munitions with three new systems: the Switchblade 600 Block 2, the Switchblade 400, and the Switchblade 300 Block 20 equipped with a modular explosively formed penetrator (EFP) payload. Together, these systems expand the Switchblade product line across echelons and mission sets–from backpackable, close-in lethal precision effects to long-endurance, multi-domain anti-armor solutions, ensuring warfighters maintain tactical overmatch in the most contested environments.

“Warfighters require scalable, reliable, and interoperable effects that can be tailored to the threat and the environment,” said Trace Stevenson, President of Autonomous Systems at AV. “These three new Switchblade variants deliver that flexibility and scalability. Each design builds on proven fielded capability while adding important new capabilities that reduce risk and expand mission sets.”

Switchblade® 600 Block 2 is a next-generation, long-endurance, multi-domain loitering munition with advanced avionics, pinpoint precision, and a secondary payload bay for multi-mission flexibility. Enhanced AI/ML-enabled onboard processing with advanced Automatic Target Recognition (ATR), encrypted M-Code GPS, and integrated Silvus MANET radios provides unmatched situational awareness and resilient Command and Control (C2) in contested environments. Switchblade 600 Block 2 offers 20% longer endurance and 100+km handoff and relay range and is IP67-rated for maritime applications.

The all-new Switchblade® 400 is a medium-range, man-portable anti-armor loitering munition with rocket-assisted take-off (RATO). At under 40 pounds for the all-up round (AUR), the effector provides a single soldier with lethal standoff capability in under five minutes to defeat tanks and heavily armored targets with precision accuracy. Sized to fit in common launch tubes (CLT), the unit’s design streamlines training and enables rapid, plug-and-play integration. Its ATR and advanced edge computing provide autonomous detection, classification, and elimination of threats–day or night.

The combat-proven Switchblade® 300 Block 20 now features a modular payload bay, supporting an Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) warhead for increased lethality against armored threats. With the AUR weighing just 7.2 lbs, the backpackable precision loitering munition enables a single operator to deliver beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) lethal effects in less than two minutes with improved endurance. The updated platform features an enhanced sensor and panning camera suite, a touchscreen tap-to-target interface with multiple commit angles, user-selectable point of detonation with continuous Positive Identification (PID), and extended range with an optional 30 km antenna.

Developed with Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) standards, the new Switchblade systems allow seamless integration with command and control (C2) platforms, including ATAK, Nett Warrior, and AV_Halo™ Command Tactical software with Kinesis universal tactical control architecture for fast, intuitive operation. Driven by AV_Halo Vision (previously AV’s SPOTR-Edge™ software) – part of AV’S unified suite of mission-ready software tools – these platforms provide onboard computer vision for detection, classification, localization, and tracking of operationally relevant objects, including people, vehicles, and maritime vessels–day or night, even in GPS-denied or comms-degraded environments. With a common design architecture, the systems share the same tablet-based Fire Control user interface (UI), patented wave-off and recommit features, encrypted datalinks, and mission planning–reducing logistical burdens and operator training time.

“AV has delivered thousands of Switchblade systems over the last 13 years, with hundreds of combat engagements shaping our design evolution,” said Jimmy Jenkins, Executive Vice President of Precision Strike and Defense Systems at AV. “The new Switchblade systems are warfighter-driven solutions—faster, smarter, and optimized for multi-domain operations. Our continuous innovation ensures US and allied forces remain equipped with rapid, adaptable, and overwhelming precision strike effects to maintain a tactical advantage on the modern battlefield.”

From US soldiers to frontline Ukrainian warfighters, Switchblade is the trusted, battle-proven loitering munition system of choice–offering cost-effective lethality in contested, congested battlespaces. The all-new Switchblade 400, Switchblade 600 Block 2, and Switchblade 300 Block 20 with EFP build on this legacy of innovation and reliability. AV is investing in the rapid expansion of its Switchblade manufacturing capacity–accelerating production of its Switchblade 600 over the last year from 40 to 240 systems per month. With growing demand from US and allied forces, continued investments in its Simi Valley, California, manufacturing facility, and the opening of its new next-generation manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, AV anticipates production growth to more than 1,200 per month in the near future.

###

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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805.795.4108

 

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.

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+1.703.418.2828
pr@avinc.com

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AV Selected for $499M AFRL Contract to Advance Electromagnetic Spectrum Survivable Materials, Awarded $246M in Task Orders

10/01/2025

AV Selected for $499M AFRL Contract to Advance Electromagnetic Spectrum Survivable Materials, Awarded $246M in Task Orders

ARLINGTON, Va., October 1, 2025 – AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a leading provider of advanced research and development innovation for national security missions and warfighter protection, has been selected for a 10-year single-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract valued at $499 million by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for the High-Performance Electromagnetic Spectrum Survivable Materials Advancement (HELMSSMAN) program. Work completed under the program will mature material technology development and deploy protective solutions to the frontlines, guarding warfighters against exposure to harmful electromagnetic radiation.

“As technologies advance and battlespace tactics evolve, AV is helping warfighters stay ahead of emerging threats,” said Wahid Nawabi, AV Chief Executive Officer. “Whether through our autonomous systems, our layered counter-drone technologies, our advancements in satellite communication and space domain awareness, or–like HELMSSMAN–our advanced research and development, we are taking on the most critical challenges and rapidly transitioning innovation from the lab to the frontlines.”

AV has been awarded two initial task orders for this contract valued at $246 million:

  • Under the “Advanced Development of Vision Protection Materials” task order, valued at $98M, AV will develop a suite of viable electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) protection capabilities that do not increase operational risk or degrade mission performance. The team will research the interaction of EMS elements with materials, systems, and personnel to develop future-proofed vision protection systems for our warfighters.
  • Under the “Advanced Development of Materials for EMS Resilience” task order, valued at $148M, AV will conduct research on the impacts of EMS sources on U.S materials, components, and systems and provide mitigation options to the warfighter to ensure effective kill chain execution in complex environments. The team will develop test infrastructure and modeling methods to accelerate the fielding of measures validated in realistic environments for warfighter protection.

With these task orders, AV will research, develop, test, evaluate, prototype, demonstrate, and transition technologies to advance the development of vision protection materials and materials for electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) resilience. Work is planned to begin this month.

Leveraging its multi-domain, multi-mission expertise and past performance delivering innovative R&D material solutions to AFRL, AV will advance electronic protection materials through directed energy solutions, test range experience, modeling, and simulation (M&S) capabilities, and space technology transitions. The company has previously supported AFRL through the development of laser-hardened materials and techniques and electronic, photonic, electro-optical, and quantum materials for Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and electronic warfare (EW) missions.

“We have demonstrated unique strengths in managing and executing strategic research programs,” said Dr. John Hogan, Vice President of Advanced Research and Development at AV. “This contract complements and continues our research and development work in material development with AFRL. We are honored to be a trusted partner in this effort.”

The Advanced R&D team at AV, located in Dayton, OH, is dedicated to developing hardened, smart materials that dynamically adapt properties to protect warfighters, their sensors, and their assets, like ground vehicles, aircraft, and structures. With expertise in thermal, optical, and electronic systems, the team identifies challenges and vulnerabilities across various domains and develops material solutions to counteract 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

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Press Release

AV Awarded U.S. Army RCCTO Contract for Kinesis, Named Lead Software & Systems Integrator for HMIF

09/29/2025

AV Awarded U.S. Army RCCTO Contract for Kinesis, Named Lead Software & Systems Integrator for HMIF

ARLINGTON, Va., September 29, 2025 –AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced a contract award from the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) for its tactical mission planning and command and control (C2) software for the Human-Machine Integrated Formations (HMIF) Increment 1 program.

HMIF accelerates the fielding of robotic formations to leverage machines to offload risk and provides Soldiers with additional information for decision-making for armored and infantry formations. Each formation will include ground and air systems and enablers to aid in the human decision-making process to find, fix, and engage enemy targets. HMIF prototype development supports existing and future robotic programs of record by mitigating risk associated with enabling capabilities such as the common architecture, communications and networking.

AV’s software solution, Kinesis, will provide a unified interface to meet the needs of HMIF for mission planning, tactical awareness, autonomy management, and payload control to simplify complex operations and accelerate mission capabilities with unmatched scale and speed.

“AV’s Kinesis software is a true force multiplier that allows a single tactical operator to control a mixed fleet of autonomous systems developed by multiple OEMs, transforming military operations and accelerating our combat readiness,” said Jason Hendrix, AV Vice President and General Manager. “By leveraging the simplicity and scalability of our open and modular software ecosystem, RCCTO is developing HMIF for ultimate mission flexibility–helping warfighters quickly, easily, and safely carry out autonomous missions across domains.”

Trace Stevenson, President of Autonomous Systems at AV, added: “We are delivering superior autonomous solutions to warfighters, not just through our trusted and proven platforms but with our advanced controllers and software capabilities that simplify sophisticated operations, augment force capacity, and drive mission outcomes. Together with U.S. Army RCCTO and an incredible team of industry partners, we are pushing the boundaries of the possible in multi-domain operations.”

Kinesis provides interoperability across tactical C2 platforms, including TAK/ATAK. Its built-in Software Developers Kit creates a collaborative development environment for expanded modularity and integrations of third-party software. To support the HMIF program’s software needs, AV is leveraging strategic partnerships with industry leading expertise from Applied Research Associates’ Neya Systems, Parry Labs, and QinetiQ. The team’s collective capabilities will provide robust solutions that offer unmatched operational efficiency and deliver a comprehensive solution for the U.S. Army’s HMIF requirements.

 

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 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.

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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

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