AeroVironment, Inc. (AV) has acquired Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero), a producer of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) platforms.
Operating out of San Luis Obispo, California, ESAero specialises in electric and hybrid propulsion capabilities, rapid aerospace prototyping and AS9100 Certified UAS manufacturing. It has expanded its operations to support system testing and further product development.
AV said the acquisition will strengthen its position in electric and hybrid propulsion systems while establishing ESAero’s AS9100-certified California facilities as a “centre of excellence for advanced prototyping and manufacturing”. The facilities accommodate conceptual air vehicle designs, electric and hybrid propulsion system development, aircraft modifications, sub-scale technology demonstrators, rapid system prototyping, design for and full-scale manufacturing.
Under the terms of the agreement, AV acquired ESAero in a transaction valued at approximately USD 200 million, with approximately USD 160 million in stock and the remainder in cash, subject to post-closing adjustments and holdbacks.
ESAero will operate as a subsidiary of AV, reporting into AV’s Precision Strike and Defense Systems group, under the Loitering Munition Systems business unit, furthering production capability in AV’s existing line of loitering munitions, missiles, drones and existing adjacent domains. ESAero leadership and employees are expected to integrate into AV’s operations and culture post-close.
The acquisition of ESAero follows AV’s USD 4.1 billion acquisition of BlueHalo in May 2025.
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