The United States has banned AeroVironment. The Army is holding a competition to choose a Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System (FTUAS) to replace its Shadow UAS fleet, and four other businesses have received contracts for the design phase.Â
AeroVironment, a provider of Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (FTUAS) to the U.S. Army, has been eliminated from the Army’s competition for the next phase of the system. The Army is seeking an FTUAS to replace its Shadow UAS fleet and had previously awarded AeroVironment an $8 million contract for its Jump 20 system as an interim capability. AeroVironment’s elimination from the competition does not significantly affect the company’s near-term outlook. The Army’s requirements for the FTUAS include vertical take-off and landing capability, improved maneuverability, the ability to be controlled while moving, reduced logistics footprint, and low detectability. Contracts for the design phase have been awarded to Griffon Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, Sierra Nevada, and Textron Systems, while AeroVironment was not selected. The system is expected to enter full-rate production in the second quarter of fiscal year 2026.Â
