AeroVironment Awarded Netherlands MoD Contract for New & Upgraded sUAS

By Mike Ball / 28 Oct 2016

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

AeroVironment Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

AeroVironment has announced that it has received a contract from the Netherlands Ministry of Defence for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), upgrades and support services totaling more than $10 million.

The contract encompasses AeroVironment’s entire family of fixed wing small UAS and includes Digital Data Link (DDL) upgrades to the Dutch forces’ existing fleet of Raven B systems, Puma AE, Wasp AE Micro Air Vehicle (MAV), and Ground Control Systems (GCS), as well as comprehensive support services.

The Netherlands procured AeroVironment Raven systems for the first time in 2008. AeroVironment has provided support services to the Netherlands since 2008.

“The Dutch Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) evaluated our extensive operational experience with the AeroVironment Raven system against competing systems available both domestically and internationally,” the DMO stated. “After careful deliberation and consideration of total value, DMO decided not only to upgrade our existing analog Raven systems with AeroVironment’s digital data link, but also to procure the complete AeroVironment family of fixed wing small UAS. This builds on our initial investment and equips our forces with the most capable and reliable small UAS in the world.”

“There is no greater statement of confidence in our company and our products than when customers place follow-on orders with us,” said Kirk Flittie, AeroVironment vice president and general manager of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems business segment. “We are proud to provide the brave members of the Dutch armed forces with small UAS uniquely capable of helping them proceed with certainty, even in the most uncertain conditions.”

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

High-Energy Density Batteries for Drones & Robotic Vehicles

The SCIO Brick® platform offers industry-leading energy density in a compact and lightweight footprint, and can be scaled to meet high-voltage requirements

Jul 12, 2025
Most Read Articles on UST This Week

Here’s our round-up of the five most read articles on UnmannedSystemsTechnology.com this week

Jul 11, 2025
Vertiq Speed Firmware v0.1.1 Now Available with Bug Fixes

Vertiq has released firmware v0.1.1 to correct a parameter bug affecting telemetry and 3D mode settings on select G1 and G2 modules

Jul 11, 2025
The Role of ROVs in Unmanned Marine Operations

Oceanbotics has answered the most common questions about ROVs, covering how they work, where they're used, and key capabilities

Jul 11, 2025
LiveU File Transfer Speeds Up Drone Data Delivery for Critical Missions

LiveU’s File Transfer enables rapid transmission of large drone data files, reducing delays and supporting faster decision-making in public safety and infrastructure operations.

Jul 11, 2025
Exploring Differences Between M9PLUS & M9 GNSS Antennas

Discover the key upgrades in Maxtena’s new M9PLUS GNSS antenna, including improved performance, signal purity, and multipath mitigation over the original M9

Jul 11, 2025

Featured Content

USAF Uses Inertial Labs Drone Lidar for Tree Obstruction Survey

The US Air Force successfully used Inertial Labs drone Lidar and cloud software to quickly map tree obstructions at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), improving airfield safety

Jul 11, 2025
New UAV to Combine Solar Hydrogen & Battery Power for Extended Flight

XSun and H3 Dynamics are developing the first UAV powered by solar, hydrogen, and batteries, aiming to deliver zero-emission, long-endurance unmanned flight

Jul 07, 2025
Enhancing Mangrove Restoration Through 3D Printed Drone Design

Explore how Inverto Earth, in collaboration with HP Additive, is using sustainable 3D printing and drone technology to drive large-scale mangrove restoration and protect vulnerable coastal ecosystems

Jul 03, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.