Australia’s NIOA Group and US-based AeroVironment have formed a strategic partnership to support the introduction and development of loitering-munition capabilities in Australia and New Zealand.
Announced at the Land Forces defence exhibition in Australia, the agreement positions NIOA as AeroVironment’s local partner for distribution, customer engagement, support and long-term capability development. The cooperation will cover AeroVironment’s portfolio, including its combat-proven Switchblade precision loitering munitions.
Local support and industrial capacity in focus
The companies will explore opportunities to expand support and industrial capabilities in Australia, including local sustainment. The partnership is intended to help meet Australian Defence Force requirements and strengthen links between the Australian and US defence industries.
Ben James, NIOA’s executive vice president for Australia and New Zealand, said the partnership would combine NIOA’s expertise in munitions supply, manufacturing and support with AeroVironment’s experience in loitering munitions and autonomous systems.
Switchblade 300 features in Australia’s plans
Australia’s 2024 Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance plan called for the Switchblade 300 to enter Australian Army service by 2025, following an earlier acquisition announcement.
Justin McFarlin, AeroVironment’s vice president of international business development, said the partnership brings the company’s combat-proven technologies together with a trusted Australian defence partner to support customers and strengthen sovereign industrial capabilities.
