US-based AeroVironment has won a contract from the Netherlands Ministry of Defence to provide small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and digital data link (DDL) upgrade services to the Dutch military.

Under the $10.3m contract, the company will refresh DDL system for the Dutch forces’ Raven B, Puma AE and Wasp AE micro air vehicles (MAV), as well as ground control systems.

The Netherlands’ Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) also procured a complete family of fixed-wing small UAS from AeroVironment on top of the Raven systems upgrade order.

"The DMO evaluated our extensive operational experience with the AeroVironment Raven system against competing systems."

DMO said: “The DMO evaluated our extensive operational experience with the AeroVironment Raven system against competing systems available both domestically and internationally.

“After careful deliberation and consideration of total value, DMO decided not only to upgrade our existing analogue Raven systems with AeroVironment’s digital data link, but also to procure the complete AeroVironment family of fixed wing small UAS.”

Work under the contract is expected to be completed within six months.

AeroVironment UAS business segment vice-president and general manager Kirk Flittie said: “There is no greater statement of confidence in our company and our products than when customers place follow-on orders with us.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“We are proud to provide the brave members of the Dutch armed forces with small UAS uniquely capable of helping them proceed with certainty, even in the most uncertain conditions.”

AeroVironment’s family of small UASs operate using a common ground control system (GCS).