Andre Madrid

Louie DiPalma

Peter Arment

Greg Konrad

Peter Skibitski

Jonathan Siegmann

Kenneth Herbert

Pete Skibitski

Stephen Strackhouse

- AeroVironment (AVAV) is positioned to benefit from significant shifts in the defense industry, including **underinvestment in defense over the last 15+ years**, increased global threats, and a bipartisan push to **invest more and quickly** in defense, especially in disruptive technologies.  **[1368622_2146301_0]** **[1368622_2146301_1]** 
- The company emphasizes its role as a **software-defined hardware provider**, with over **40% of its engineers focused on software**, and its systems are designed with **Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA)** to allow for upgrades and adaptability.  **[1368622_2146301_4]** **[1368622_2146301_5]** 
- AeroVironment's recent acquisition of **BlueHalo** is its largest to date, strategically adding capabilities in **space business** and **counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS)**, aligning with its goal to become an all-domain unmanned systems prime.  **[1368622_2146301_11]** 
- The company aims to **double in size within the next three to four years**, targeting **15% to 20% growth**, supported by a strong balance sheet and favorable macro trends like increased urgency in defense procurement and loosened export regulations for drones.  **[1368622_2146301_13]** **[1368622_2146301_15]**

AeroVironment Discusses Defense Industry Shifts and Growth Strategy

- AeroVironment (AV) has successfully delivered the **first two mobile counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) prototype Laser Weapon Systems (LWS)** to the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO).  **[1368622_e3eb05f6d1774d1da9db26a6bd692ac7_0]** 
- These systems are **20kW-class LOCUST™ LWS** integrated on General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISV), representing a significant advancement in mobile, frontline C-UAS capabilities.  **[1368622_e3eb05f6d1774d1da9db26a6bd692ac7_0]** 
- This delivery is part of the **first increment of the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototyping effort**, which aims to rapidly develop and field directed energy solutions to defeat threats like drones.  **[1368622_e3eb05f6d1774d1da9db26a6bd692ac7_0]** 
- AV is scheduled to deliver the **second increment of AMP-HEL next month**, which will include two Joint Light Tactical Vehicles with a 20kW class LOCUST LWS, radar, and command-and-control systems.  **[1368622_e3eb05f6d1774d1da9db26a6bd692ac7_0]**

AeroVironment Delivers First Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser Systems to U.S. Army