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AeroVironment and NIOA Australia have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore opportunities to expand Australian industry participation supporting AV’s one-way attack systems.
Signed during LAND FORCES 2026, the agreement establishes a framework for AV and NIOA to identify and facilitate a path forward for the localization, co-production and sustainment of AV’s one-way attack systems in Australia.
Under the MOU, the companies will explore opportunities to combine AV’s autonomous systems with NIOA’s sovereign weapons and munitions expertise.
Potential areas of cooperation include local manufacturing and integration, in-country support and sustainment, and the development of Australian variants incorporating NIOA-developed payloads, warheads and mission effects where technically, commercially and legally feasible.
“AV’s one-way attack systems are proven capabilities with growing demand from U.S. allies and partners around the world,” said Wahid Nawabi, chairman, president and chief executive officer of AeroVironment.
“Our collaboration with NIOA creates a pathway to expand that capability in Australia and explore how Australian industry can contribute to the manufacture, integration, support and sustainment of AV’s one-way attack systems.”
The MOU also contemplates NIOA serving, subject to final agreements and required approvals, as an Australian distributor and authorized support partner for AV's one-way attack systems.
The companies plan to evaluate opportunities for NIOA to support Australian customer engagement, training, logistics, maintenance coordination, inventory management and other in-country sustainment activities.
The parties also share a non-binding ambition to explore the establishment of Australia as a regional center of excellence for advanced launched effects and loitering munitions, combining AV’s autonomous systems with NIOA’s sovereign weapons and munitions expertise.
The MOU contemplates potential local manufacture, integration, sustainment and future capability development for Australian and allied customers, subject to applicable laws, approvals and subsequent agreements.
The MOU is non-binding, and any future technology transfer, manufacturing, distribution or other commercial activities will be subject to applicable US and Australian laws and regulations, required government approvals and separate definitive agreements between AV and NIOA.
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