AeroVironment has completed its transaction with BlueHalo, strengthening its position as a global defense technology leader with integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space and cyber.
Wahid Nawabi, AeroVironment chairman, president and CEO, said the deal positions the company to move forward as a more unified organization with the scale, talent and technology to lead in key areas of modern defense.
“By bringing together two mission-focused organizations, the new AV is built to accelerate innovation, strengthen our customer partnerships, and deliver operational impact across every domain,” he added. “This is a pivotal step in our journey, and one that positions us to create long-term value for shareholders and strategic advantages for our customers.”
AeroVironment’s offerings include autonomous uncrewed systems, precision strike weapons, counter-UAS solutions — using radio frequency, directed energy and kinetic technologies — space systems and cyber tools. These capabilities are unified by advanced autonomy, mission software and command-and-control systems that enable faster coordination and decision-making at the tactical edge.
Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, AeroVironment operates in over 40 states and employs more than 3,750 people. Its innovation centers, manufacturing sites and technology labs support rapid scaling of mission-critical capabilities. Its innovation engine, MacCready Works, continues to develop and transition next-generation systems that reinforce the company’s leadership in emerging mission areas.
Nawabi will continue to serve as chairman, president and CEO. The combined leadership team includes executives from both companies with expertise in autonomy, space systems, cyber operations and defense technology.
To align with customer missions and AV’s financial reporting structure, the company will operate in two business segments:
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Autonomous Systems: Covers uncrewed systems (Group 1–3 UAS), precision strike and one-way attack systems, defense systems such as counter-UAS solutions, ground and maritime robotic solutions and MacCready Works. Trace Stevenson, former head of AeroVironment’s Uncrewed Systems, leads this segment.
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Space, Cyber and Directed Energy: Includes space technologies, directed energy solutions, cyber capabilities and mission services. Trip Ferguson, former BlueHalo COO, leads this segment.
David Wodlinger and Henry Albers of Arlington Capital Partners have joined AeroVironment’s board, bringing the total number of board members to 10.
RBC Capital Markets served as financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP as legal advisor to AeroVironment. Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher provided strategic communications support. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC advised Arlington Capital Partners and BlueHalo, with legal counsel from Goodwin Procter LLP.