AeroVironment Opens New UK Office

AeroVironment, Inc. (AV), a US-based defence technology company specialising in uncrewed systems, has announced the opening of a new office in Hereford, England. The company has also entered into a coproduction agreement with TIA Group to manufacture the AeroVironment Tomahawk GCS Grip 23 TE controller in the UK, which is used “for all-domain uncrewed operations and situational awareness for diverse missions,” according to a September 10 press release.

The new facility in Hereford will house a team dedicated to supporting a range of AV’s products, including ground control systems, as well as small and medium uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). The team will be tasked with providing operational support and driving innovation for the company’s UK and European customers.

“We are intentionally investing and expanding in the UK to strengthen our global network and better collaborate with our key European defence customers,” said Trace Stevenson, president of Autonomous Systems at AV. 

David G. Watson, managing director of TIA Group, said the collaboration would enable the delivery of a responsive service and “best-in-class AV products to UK MoD, our European partners, and allied nations.” Jason Hendrix, AV’s vice president and general manager of Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, stated that the expansion and partnership with TIA would enhance the company’s ability to “deliver the broader family of AV systems to our global allies with scale and speed.”

The UK office builds on other efforts announced by AeroVironment in the past few years. Including an MOU with the UAS Denmark Test Center, located at Hans Christian Andersen Airport in Odense. This agreement allowed AeroVironment to use the centre’s vast airspace and advanced facilities for its UAS operations, including demonstrations, training, and customer integration activities throughout the region. The partnership was expected to boost joint research and development (R&D) efforts and further establish the UAS Denmark Test Centre as a leading hub for advanced UAS innovation and operational readiness in Europe. This followed selection of the Jump-20 UAS from AeroVironment by both Italy and Denmark, increasing the company’s presence in Europe. 

Calibre comment

AeroVironment has previously worked with Kraken Technologies, a UK manufacturer and designer of autonomous surface vessels. The company has also supplied Switchblade loitering munitions to the UK under at least two contracts, one in 2021 and another in 2023. And it has secured a number of contracts for European countries including Lithuania, Romania, and Sweden. AeroVironment may also be interested in competing for emerging UK requirements like Project CORVUS, which is seeking a long-range ISTAR drone for the British Army. Having a facility in the UK will help AeroVironment support its customers in the UK as well as Europe, and future business development efforts. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on September 19, 2025. Credit for the lead image is AeroVironment.