AV expands US manufacturing operations

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE COMPANIES

AeroVironment (AV), a provider of multi-domain robotic systems, uncrewed aircraft, and ground systems for government and defense customers, is establishing FreedomWerx, an advanced manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah.

By maintaining multiple, strategically located production sites, AV plans to mitigate risks from natural disasters, security threats, and geopolitical disruptions.

Located near Salt Lake City International Airport, the facility offers access to key transportation hubs, optimizing logistics and supply chain efficiencies. AV anticipates creating more than 500 high-paying jobs, enhancing Utah’s position as a leader in defense innovation and advanced manufacturing. The company anticipates FreedomWerx will begin production in H2 2025. https://www.avinc.com

Skydio wins drone contract from Spain

San Mateo, California-based drone manufacturer Skydio was awarded a contract by Spain’s Ministry of Defence to supply autonomous small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) to the Spanish Armed Forces. In partnership with Paukner Group, a Spanish defense and security product distributor, Skydio will deliver Skydio X10D drones in a contract worth up to $18.7 million.

Scroll to continue with content

The X10D incorporates onboard artificial intelligence (AI), autonomy, and sensors to be resilient in contested environments for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) applications.

During the past five years, Skydio drones have been chosen by every branch of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), plus those of 25 allied nations. The Spanish Army will deploy the X10D for a wide range of missions, including force protection, reconnaissance, facility security, crowd control, target acquisition, and command post support. https://www.skydio.com