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AeroVironment to Acquire Empirical Systems Aerospace for $200 Million

Defense Firm Expands Capabilities with California-Based UAS Engineering Company

AeroVironment (AV) has announced the acquisition of Empirical Systems Aerospace (ESAero) for $200 million. ESAero, a California-based UAS engineering company, will continue to operate out of its facilities under AV’s Precision Strike and Defense Systems group and Loitering Munition Systems business unit. AV CEO Wahid Nawabi stated that ESAero’s agility in design to manufacturing will accelerate AV’s ability to bridge the gap between conceptual design and manufacturing execution. AV’s CEO Andrew Gibson noted that joining AV represents a unique opportunity to amplify the reach and impact of their innovative work and achieve greater success.

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    Source: Breaking Defense (RSS) JAN Tracker: SRCE-2026-1773694920497-3279
    URL: https://breakingdefense.com/2026/03/aerovironment-to-acquire-california-drone-maker-esaero-in-200m-deal/
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    Home Categories DEFENSE & SECURITY

    AeroVironment to Acquire Empirical Systems Aerospace for $200 Million

    Defense Firm Expands Capabilities with California-Based UAS Engineering Company

    AeroVironment (AV) has announced the acquisition of Empirical Systems Aerospace (ESAero) for $200 million. ESAero, a California-based UAS engineering company, will continue to operate out of its facilities under AV’s Precision Strike and Defense Systems group and Loitering Munition Systems business unit. AV CEO Wahid Nawabi stated that ESAero’s agility in design to manufacturing will accelerate AV’s ability to bridge the gap between conceptual design and manufacturing execution. AV’s CEO Andrew Gibson noted that joining AV represents a unique opportunity to amplify the reach and impact of their innovative work and achieve greater success.

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      Strategic Implications

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      Source: Breaking Defense (RSS) JAN Tracker: SRCE-2026-1773694920497-3279
      URL: https://breakingdefense.com/2026/03/aerovironment-to-acquire-california-drone-maker-esaero-in-200m-deal/
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