AeroVironment has announced that the United States Air Force has awarded the company a $13 million indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract for RQ-11B Raven small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to support Latin American and Caribbean nations. United States Government fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance funds of $2,800,000 were committed at the time of the award.

The Raven hand-launched small UAS, the most prolific military drone in the world, will be deployed in the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility, which includes Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

“Raven revolutionized the battlefield with instant eyes in the sky and force protection for small tactical units 15 years ago and its enhanced capabilities continue to protect U.S. and allied armed forces throughout the world,” said Kirk Flittie, vice president and general manager of AeroVironment’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems business. “From the snow-capped peaks of Afghanistan to the dense jungles and rugged mountains of Latin America, Raven and AeroVironment’s family of small surveillance drones, including Puma AE and Wasp AE, are giving U.S. and allied troops unmatched advantages to advance safely through dangerous terrain.”