AeroVironment, Inc. has announced the acquisition of Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero), a leading developer of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) platforms.
ESAero is known for its strong engineering capabilities, electric and hybrid propulsion expertise, rapid prototyping, and AS9100-certified UAS manufacturing. The company operates from design, prototyping, and manufacturing facilities in San Luis Obispo, California, supporting advanced product development, system integration, and testing. Its focus on technical rigor and innovation aligns closely with AeroVironment’s mission-driven approach to delivering solutions for U.S. defence requirements.
“AeroVironment will benefit from ESAero’s ability to rapidly transition from design to production, strengthening our capacity to meet the demands of a fast-evolving defence technology market,”
said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President, and CEO of AeroVironment.
ESAero’s President and CEO, Andrew Gibson, added that the acquisition enables the company to scale its innovations by combining its engineering strengths with AeroVironment’s expertise in autonomous systems, accelerating the delivery of next-generation aerospace technologies.
The acquisition enhances AeroVironment’s position across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains, while improving its ability to move seamlessly from concept to full-scale manufacturing. ESAero’s California facilities will serve as a center of excellence for advanced prototyping and production, particularly in electric and hybrid propulsion systems.
Valued at approximately $200 million, the transaction includes $160 million in stock and the remainder in cash, subject to adjustments. ESAero will operate as a subsidiary within AeroVironment’s Precision Strike and Defense Systems group, supporting loitering munitions, missiles, and drone programs.
This deal follows AeroVironment’s $4.1 billion acquisition of BlueHalo in 2025, underscoring its strategy to build an integrated, high-performance defence technology portfolio.
Source: AeroVironment, Inc.