ARLINGTON, Va., March 15, 2026 – AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global defense technology leader, was featured on CBS News’ 60 Minutes in a national television broadcast that examined the company’s role in the rapid evolution of advanced technologies that are shaping the future of global security.

The segment, entitled “Laser Focus,” provided viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at the technologies and engineers driving innovation at AV, while also examining how scalable, cost-effective defense solutions, like AV’s laser weapons systems, are becoming increasingly critical in an era defined by proliferating autonomous threats and rapidly advancing battlefield technologies.

During the program, 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl visited AV’s Albuquerque, New Mexico facility for a firsthand look at the company’s advanced engineering and development operations, where teams are designing systems capable of detecting, tracking, and defeating increasingly sophisticated unmanned aerial threats. Stahl also interviewed Wahid Nawabi, AV’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“60 Minutes recognized what many of our partners across government and industry already know—that AV is at the forefront of the technologies reshaping modern defense,” said Nawabi. “From autonomous systems to counter-UAS and directed energy laser weapons systems, our teams are developing capabilities designed to address the rapidly evolving threats facing the United States and its allies.”

As part of the segment, Stahl also participated in a demonstration of AV’s LOCUST®, a high-energy laser weapon system capable of defeating aerial threats at the speed of light. Working alongside John Garrity, AV’s Vice President of Directed Energy Systems, Stahl operated the LOCUST system during a controlled demonstration at the company’s New Mexico facility, where she detected, tracked, and neutralized a drone target.

In addition to LOCUST, the segment featured Switchblade®, AV’s man-portable loitering munition system widely used in modern conflicts, including Ukraine.

60 Minutes, one of the most widely viewed and influential news programs in the world, reaches millions of viewers each week and is known for in-depth reporting on issues shaping global policy, technology, and national security.

The full segment is available on CBS News and 60 Minutes digital platforms.