The Pentagon awarded a $500 million contract to AeroVironment, a defense company that makes Switchblade loitering drones and other tech such as the LOCUST directed energy laser, to procure commercial counter-drone technology for the military over the next three years.
The award language contained few details, but was listed under the Army section of the Defense Department’s online contract update posted Wednesday. While locations and specific funding will be determined with each order, the contract aims to build on defenses against drones, including small unmanned aerial systems which were specifically referenced.