AeroVironment nabs $96M counter-drone missile award

The Army has selected AeroVironment for its Next-Generation Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Missile, awarding the company a $95.9 million contract under the Long-Range Kinetic Interceptor (LRKI) program, according to a company announcement.

The LRKI effort, managed by Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center through the Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium, is aimed at accelerating fielding of new kinetic interceptors to defend against small and medium unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

In an Oct. 22 statement, AeroVironment said the contract will fund production and delivery of its missile design to meet the Army’s requirement for a low-cost, high-performance interceptor capable of engaging Group 2 and 3 UAS while retaining residual capability against Group 1 UAS, fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.

AeroVironment said its design -- known internally as the Freedom Eagle (FE-1) -- has completed a series of successful developmental tests, including live-fire demonstrations of its dual-thrust solid rocket motor, controlled test vehicle launches and warhead evaluations. The company described these milestones as evidence of the interceptor’s technological maturity and reduced technical risk ahead of fielding.

The NGCM award expands AeroVironment’s role in counter-drone and precision-strike weapons, which also include directed energy, radio frequency and electronic warfare systems, alongside its Switchblade and JUMP 20 loitering munitions portfolio.