Task order advances biotechnology and AI-enabled materials research to enhance Air Force readiness and extend the life of critical assets.

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 28, 2026-- The United States Air Force has awarded UES, a division of advanced research and development leader AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a $75 million task order to modernize defense systems through the development of next-generation biotechnology and materials science under the Functional Responsive Experimentation for Systems and Humans (FRESH) program at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

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Under Task Order 0003 (TO-03), titled “Biotechnology and Biomaterials and Polymers and Responsive Materials, Research, Development, and Exploration,” AV will develop and evaluate new materials, processing methods, and modeling techniques to create advanced polymers and responsive materials that enhance the performance and resilience of Air Force assets across air, space, and weapons systems, expanding the company’s ongoing work with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

Under Task Order 0003 (TO-03), titled “Biotechnology and Biomaterials and Polymers and Responsive Materials, Research, Development, and Exploration,” AV will develop and evaluate new materials, processing methods, and modeling techniques to create advanced polymers and responsive materials that enhance the performance and resilience of Air Force assets across air, space, and weapons systems, expanding the company’s ongoing work with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

“We’re entering an era where biology and materials science are converging,” said Dr. John Hogan, Vice President of Defense and Interagency Services at AV. “Our work under this program explores that frontier—creating responsive systems that enhance human performance, reduce maintenance burdens, and ensure operational dominance for the Air Force.”

Over the 60-month period of performance, AV will advance discovery and innovation in biomanufacturing, polymers, and responsive materials—integrating biologically driven methods for material degradation, rare earth extraction, and human–machine teaming with advances in flexible electronics, additive “smart” materials, biomimetic design, and synthetic biology. This work will accelerate the development of adaptive, high-performance materials and biologically inspired systems that reduce lifecycle costs, increase resilience, and maintain the Air Force’s technological edge over adversaries.

Research and development will also leverage artificial intelligence to speed discovery, testing, and environmental evaluation, in order to sustain and optimize mission-critical assets, enhance human performance through cognitive and physiological monitoring, and ensure breakthroughs transition seamlessly from the laboratory to the field to strengthen America’s operational advantage.

“This award reaffirms the trust the U.S. Air Force has placed in AV to push the frontiers of science in service of national defense,” said Johnathan Jones, Senior Vice President of Cyber and Mission Solutions at AV. “Our collaboration continues to demonstrate how applied innovation in biotechnology and materials science can directly enhance operational capability, extend system lifecycles, and safeguard those who serve.”

About AV

AeroVironment (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) is a defense technology leader delivering integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The Company develops and deploys autonomous systems, loitering munitions, counter-UAS technologies, space-based platforms, directed energy systems, and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities—built to meet the mission needs of today’s warfighter and tomorrow’s conflicts. At the core of these technologies lies AV_Halo™, a modular, mission-ready suite of AI-powered software tools that empowers warfighters and enables full-battlefield dominance: detect, decide, deliver. With a national manufacturing footprint and a deep innovation pipeline, AV delivers proven systems and future-defining capabilities at speed, scale, and operational relevance. For more information, visit www.avinc.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain new ones; regulatory changes; competitor activities; market growth; product development challenges; and general economic conditions. For a more detailed discussion of these risks, please refer to AeroVironment’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events.

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Source: AeroVironment, Inc.