Establishes Next-Gen Defense Tech Company

AeroVironment (AV) will acquire BlueHalo in an all-stock transaction with a value of approximately $4.1 billion, the companies announced.

The combined company brings together complementary capabilities to form a diversified global leader in all-domain defense technologies.

BlueHalo develops national defense tech in areas such as space technologies, Counter-Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (cUAS), Directed Energy, Electronic Warfare, Cyber, AI, Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and more.

BlueHalo was founded as a purpose-built company to develop industry-leading capabilities in those areas, and it was the first to successfully operate a directed energy laser weapons system (LWS) with its LOCUST LWS. It was awarded the Space Force’s multi-billion-dollar program to develop BADGER, an adaptive phased array unit that spearheads the Radio Frequency Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (RF-cUAS) which delivered its 1,000th system last year.

AV’s acquisition of BlueHalo creates a defense tech company with a complementary portfolio of solutions in uncrewed systems, short and long range loitering munitions, counter UAS, and more. The combination will drive innovation and expand manufacturing capacity.

Wahid Nawabi, AV chairman, President, and CEO said, “For over 50 years, AV has pioneered innovative solutions on the battlefield, and today we are poised to usher in the next era of defense technology through our combination with BlueHalo.

“BlueHalo not only brings key franchises and complementary capabilities, but also a wealth of technologies, diverse customers and exceptional talent to AV. Together, we will drive agile innovation and deliver comprehensive, next-generation solutions designed to redefine the future of defense. We are thrilled to welcome the talented BlueHalo team as we unite our strengths, expand our global impact and accelerate growth and value creation for AV shareholders.”

FMI:  www.avinc.com/