US Armed Forces use the RQ-20 Puma Unmanned Aerial System to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance Source: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service

AeroVironment Inc., an aerospace and defence technology company headquartered in Simi Valley, California, has won a $12m contract from the US Army.

The contract is for the supply of RQ-20B Puma AE3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The company’s UAS technology continues to gain recognition and trust among military customers for its performance and reliability in the field.

Estonia has contracted AeroVironment to supply the RQ-20B Puma unmanned aircraft system. Most of AeroVironment’s success has been spearheaded by their Switchblade drone, following the drone’s performance in Ukraine, which has driven its demand.

Reportedly Taiwan is considering purchasing up to 100 Switchblades in 2024. With the impending threat of China looming over Taiwan, the island nation is seeking to buy the small attack-type uncrewed aerial vehicle for the Taiwanese Army’s special forces.

AeroVironment‘s RQ-20B Puma AE3 UAS is versatile and efficient, making it an ideal solution for various military applications.

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The work will take place primarily at the company’s facilities in Simi Valley, California, ensuring the equipment is manufactured.

The estimated completion date for this project is set for 30 September, 2024, providing AeroVironment time to deliver UAS systems to effectively meet the US Army’s requirements.

The US Army Contracting Command, located at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, serves as the contracting activity for this deal.

AeroVironment’s RQ-20B Puma AE3 UAS systems represent the latest evolution of unmanned aircraft, equipped with features that enhance situational awareness and intelligence-gathering capabilities for military personnel.

The Puma AE3’s compact design, advanced sensors, and flight endurance make it an asset for surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence-gathering missions. Its portability and ease of deployment enable rapid response, making it an essential tool for modern military operations.

As the demand for unmanned aerial systems continues to grow, the Simi Valley-based company remains dedicated to delivering solutions that empower the armed forces to stay ahead in defence technology.