AEVEX to Supply Drone for US Air Force One-Way Attack Ops
California drone developer AEVEX has received an $18.5-million contract to provide a tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS) for the US Air Force.
The platform will undertake one-way attack missions in the military, and will be handed over alongside support services from field technical specialists.
The company specified that the work will leverage its additive-manufactured Group 3 UAS, promoting a scalable 3D-printing process and instant operational deployment.
Group 3 drones are classified as those weighing less than 1,320 pounds (599 kilograms), have a maximum service ceiling of 18,000 feet (5,486 meters), and a top speed of 250 knots (289 miles/463 kilometers per hour).
Activities to complete the order will be facilitated on AEVEX’s in-country production and engineering network across Alabama, California, Florida, Virginia, and Ohio.
It will also be supported by a 100,000-square-foot (9,290-square-meter) plant dedicated to autonomous systems assembly and an over 150-person workforce.
‘Dependable’ Platforms
The award builds on AEVEX’ previous engagements with US-based customers, which also include technical, maintenance, and on-site assistance services.
Among the company’s portfolio is the Phoenix Ghost family of Group 3 loitering munitions already deployed to Ukraine in its war against Russia.
The firm also offers the Atlas Group 2 kamikaze drones, selected by the US Army for its Launched Effects – Short Range initiative.
“We appreciate the continued trust the US Air Force places in AEVEX,” AEVEX CEO Roger Wells commented about the project.
“Our teams are focused on delivering dependable, mission-aligned capabilities, and we remain committed to ensuring high‑quality assets reach the people who need them.”
