BlueHalo

What BlueHalo does

BlueHalo is a U.S. national security prime contractor that designs, manufactures, and integrates defense technology across five domains: space operations (BADGER and WASP software-defined ground antennas, PANTHER phased arrays, laser communications, space-qualified hardware), counter-UAS and autonomous systems (LOCUST directed energy lasers, Freedom Eagle kinetic missile, Titan RF detection/defeat family, HaloSwarm autonomy, Mission Specialist ROVs), electronic warfare and cyber (Angler software-defined radio, SharkCage tactical chassis), unmanned maritime (VideoRay-derived ROVs), and an AI/ML layer built on the proprietary METIS stack that powers C2, swarming, OSINT, and threat detection. The platform follows a buy-and-build model assembled by Arlington Capital Partners starting in 2019, with acquired entities including DDES, Citadel Defense, Asymmetrik, Verus Technology Group, Ipsolon Research, VideoRay, and Eqlipse Technologies layered into a single integrated portfolio.

Revenue is generated primarily through U.S. government defense contracts across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Special Operations Command, and the intelligence community, with pricing determined per contract via fixed-price, cost-plus, and time-and-materials structures. Distribution leverages multiple contract vehicles including GSA Schedule, OASIS, D3I Domain 3, and memberships in OTA consortia (SOSSEC, SpEC, AMTC, NSTXL, NAMC, Army Cornerstone), with Carahsoft serving as a Master Government Aggregator reaching federal, state, and local public-sector buyers. Notable customer wins include a $1.4B SCAR award (subsequently terminated for recompete), $200M Luno B IDIQ with NGA, $30.7M Navy MESR program, $19.4M WPAFB ceramics contract, and deployment of over 1,000 Titan C-UAS units globally. Standalone revenue grew from $660M (2021) to approximately $900M (2024) prior to the May 2025 $4.1B all-stock acquisition by AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV), under which BlueHalo now operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary contributing to the Space, Cyber and Directed Energy segment alongside the legacy Autonomous Systems segment of the combined company employing 3,750+ people across 40+ states.

Name

BlueHalo

Legal name

BlueHalo, LLC

Website

https://bluehalo.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Acquired

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

BlueHalo is a U.S. national security prime contractor developing defense technology across space, counter-UAS, directed energy, electronic warfare, unmanned maritime, and AI/ML, serving primarily the Department of Defense, intelligence community, and allied governments.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Technology & Military Hardware

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Counter-UAS (C-UAS) Systems & Drone Defense (IMABAIAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autonomous Defense Systems (AI/ML, Swarming, MUM-T) (IMABAOAI), UAS Ground Control Stations (GCS) & Remote Operations Infrastructure (IMABAIAL), UAS Communications, Datalinks, SATCOM & Remote Control Systems (IMABAIAJ), Military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Aerial Platforms (IMABAMAC), Air Defense Missiles & Interceptors (IMABAHAD), Radar Systems & Subsystems (Airborne, Ground, Naval) (IMABAGAA)

Keywords

• Counter-UAS systems
• Directed energy weapons
• Space satellite communications
• Electronic warfare solutions
• Unmanned maritime vehicles

Headquarters

HQ city

Arlington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Defense Government Contracts: Primary revenue stream from U.S. government defense contracts across Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Special Operations, and intelligence community customers. Revenue generated through fixed-price, cost-plus, and time-and-materials contract structures.
2. Space Technology Systems: Space-qualified hardware and services including BADGER, WASP, laser communications, and spacecraft systems for orbital missions
3. Directed Energy Weapons: LOCUST laser weapon systems and related C-UAS directed energy solutions sold to defense customers
4. Cyber and SIGINT Services: Electronic warfare, cyber operations, and signals intelligence services for national security missions

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

BlueHalo manufactures and sells defense technology products across five core domains: Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) including the LOCUST directed energy laser weapon family and Titan RF detect-and-defeat systems; Space Operations including BADGER and WASP multi-beam software-defined antennas, laser communications payloads, and space-qualified hardware; Electronic Warfare and Cyber including Angler software-defined radio and SharkCage tactical chassis; Unmanned Maritime including Mission Specialist Ally, Defender, and Pro 5 remotely operated vehicles; and AI/ML capabilities delivered through the proprietary METIS platform powering autonomous swarming (HaloSwarm), command and control (VigilantHalo), perimeter security (ARGUS), and OSINT analytics (HaloCortex). All products are sold to U.S. Department of Defense branches, the Intelligence Community, and allied militaries through government procurement channels.

Product overview

BlueHalo (now part of AeroVironment, Inc.) offers an integrated portfolio of defense technology solutions across space, C-UAS & Autonomous Systems, Electronic Warfare & Cyber, Unmanned Maritime, and AI/ML domains. The product architecture follows a platform-plus-modules approach, with core platforms like METIS AI engine and HaloSwarm autonomous system providing foundational capabilities that power specialized products. The Space segment includes BADGER and WASP for satellite communications, Laser Communications and Space-Qualified Hardware for orbital applications, and PANTHER for phased array antennas. The C-UAS portfolio centers on LOCUST directed energy weapons (including LOCUST X3) and Titan RF detection/defeat systems (Titan 4, Titan-SV, Titan-MS, Titan-EO/IR) complemented by VigilantHalo C2 and ARGUS perimeter security. Electronic Warfare offerings include Angler Software-Defined Radio and SharkCage Tactical Chassis. Unmanned Maritime features Mission Specialist Series ROVs (Ally, Defender, Pro 5). AI/ML capabilities are delivered through METIS platform powering WISARD, Titan RF C-UAS, AI-TOMS, ARGUS, and HaloCortex analytics.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LOCUST: High-energy laser weapon system for counter-UAS applications, including LOCUST X3 (20-35+ kW) and standard LOCUST configurations
• Titan
• BADGER
• Freedom Eagle (FE-1)
• WASP
• PANTHER
• METIS
• HaloSwarm
• VigilantHalo
• HaloCortex
• Mission Specialist
• MacCready Works
• ARGUS
• AI-TOMS

Products and services

• BADGER Deployable multi-beam, multi-band ground terminal with modular and reconfigurable large form factor digital phased array solution for SATCOM, telemetry, and electronic warfare missions. Features proprietary MSDA digital beamforming technology enabling L/S/C-Band operations with 2-kilowatt equivalent spatial distributed high-power amplifier.
• WASP Wide Area Scanning Parabolic technology providing multi-beam synthesis with independently steerable simultaneous beams at diverse center frequencies. Features novel beam broadening, antenna nulling, array healing, beam shaping/spoiling, and fine loop pointing for SATCOM, telemetry, EW, RADAR, and ISR applications.
• Laser Communications Space-based laser communication payloads offering 10-100x increased bandwidth over RF with lower mass and power consumption. Includes optical module assemblies, stable platforms with Optical Inertial Reference Unit technology, and precision latch/gimbal assemblies for long-haul high data rate missions.
• Space-Qualified Hardware Full suite of space-qualified hardware including Command & Data Handling (C&DH) products, Spacecraft Attitude Determination and Control (ADC) Suite, Angular Rate Sensors (ARS-16, Dynapak-16), Fast Steering Mirrors (FSMs), Encryption & RF Assembly (KG-237, KG-238), and Optical Inertial Rate Units (OIRU). Hundreds of systems flying in GEO, MEO, LEO and cislunar orbits.
• PANTHER All-digital modular phased array antenna providing true active electronic scanning with wide field of regard and ability to capture multiple simultaneous position-independent signals. Modular panels mountable on various platforms for L, S, and C bands, scalable for full hemispheric coverage with waveform-agnostic wide band support.
• LOCUST X3 Third-generation 20-35+ kW directed energy laser weapon system designed to defeat Group 1-3 UAS and emerging aerial threats. Features AV_Halo Pinpoint precision aim and tracking software with AI-enabled detection, tracking, and engagement automation. Modular MOSA architecture supports fixed and mobile platform configurations.
• LOCUST Operationally deployed laser weapon system with advanced AI for tracking, identifying, and engaging targets with hard-kill high-energy laser. Features RF cueing sensor interface, multi-target IR search and track modes, ultra-high bandwidth tracking, and integration support for C2 networks. Operationally demonstrated neutralizing drone threats at El Paso with gaming controller interface for simplified operation.
• Freedom Eagle (FE-1) Next-generation C-UAS kinetic missile providing enhanced maneuverability, lethality and range against Group 3 UAS threats. Modular architecture with software-defined front end and significantly reduced SWaP compared to current air defense weapons. Selected by U.S. Army as one of two vendors for NGCM development.
• Titan C-UAS Family Family of RF-based detect and defeat counter-drone solutions including Titan 4 (flagship with >550W output over six RF bands), Titan-SV (360-degree surveillance for long-range detection), Titan-SV LOB (fixed-site/vehicle-mounted 3D tracking), Titan MS (AI-powered multi-sensor fusion), Titan EO/IR (RF plus MWIR sensor fusion), and Titan-SV MOSA/SOSA (open-architecture sensor card). Features AI/ML-driven analysis with automated point-and-click functionality.
• VigilantHalo Software-driven integration platform for real-time Command and Control supporting ATC, BVLOS, and C-UAS missions. Built on secure micro-service architecture deployable to cloud, mobile, and fixed-site installations. Supports national security, NAS ATC, disaster response, and critical infrastructure defense with radar and multi-sensor surveillance capabilities.
• LOCUST TATS High-performance acquisition, pointing, tracking, aimpoint designation and/or cueing capability with electro-optical/infrared and RF sensor systems. Features fine tracking system (FTS), acquisition tracking system (ATS), and microradian-class 3D target location reporting with TSPI data transmitted to C2 networks.
• ARGUS Comprehensive turnkey perimeter security solution with wireless mesh network of unattended sensors for intrusion detection and access control. AI/ML algorithms fuse sensor data for enhanced alert confidence with ARGUSView map-based interface and cloud-based ARGUS Enterprise services.
• HaloSwarm AI/ML-powered autonomous swarming capability providing transformational swarm operations using proprietary U.S.-made sUAS platforms, ground, surface, and subsurface vehicles. Operationally driven system-of-systems framework with unmatched mission efficiency and performance.
• Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) Ecosystem of purpose-built uncrewed aerial solutions including E900 (up to 35min flight, 5lb payload) and E1250 (35min flight, 25lb payload) with Picatinny rail payload mounts. Includes Intense Eye Version 3 (IEV3) mass-producible U.S.-made sUAS for use in HaloSwarm autonomous operations.
• Angler Software-Defined Radio SOSA compliant 3U VPX chassis with tremendous capacity to receive, process, and transmit RF. Supports multiple signals of interest and third-party waveforms with embedded processing enabling third-party applications at tactical edge.
• SharkCage Tactical Chassis Environmentally sealed expeditionary C5ISR/EW chassis for man-packable or mounted applications. Passively cooled tactical VPX chassis with embedded chassis management board, designed to withstand land, air, and sea operations and extreme temperature changes.
• Mission Specialist Ally ROV designed for optimal power and lift with compact design featuring spring-loaded vertical manipulator, two float block options, LED tilt mounts, Ultra 4K smart camera, and four high-performance thrusters (4 knots horizontal, 1.5 knots vertical, 1 knot lateral).
• Mission Specialist Defender Seven-thruster ROV for precise control, heavier payloads, and demanding intervention missions. Depth rating up to 1,000 meters with active pitch capability. Compatible with Greensea Systems or Seebyte control software for dangerous or heavy-duty missions.
• Mission Specialist Pro 5 Lightweight 10kg ROV with three-thruster system achieving over 4.4 knots forward speed. Purpose-built for missions with size, space, weight and deployment speed constraints such as infrastructure inspections, search & recovery, up to 305m depth.
• METIS BlueHalo's proprietary AI/ML tech stack powering high-performance technologies in swarming, C-UAS, security, and cyber. Enables products and customized solutions for swarming, counter-UAS, satellite communications, cyber threat detection, surveillance and reconnaissance, logistics, transportation, and GEOINT.
• HaloCortex Suite of data analytics tools (formerly Scraawl) analyzing publicly available data, images, video, commercial geospatial imagery, and unstructured text. Leverages state-of-the-art AI techniques including face detection, recognition, NLP, graph analytics, and behavior analytics for actionable intelligence from large datasets.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,000 Titan C-UAS units deployed globally
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability14 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)coreTechnology or Integration · 25 March 2025BlueHalo selected as one of vendors for Luno B IDIQ contract worth up to $200 million over five years to provide geospatial data enabling analysts to gain insight into worldwide economic, environmental, and geopolitical activity.
• GrandSKYcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 March 2025Partnership through memorandum of understanding to create a hub for tech innovation, testing, and training. BlueHalo will integrate PANTHER phased array antenna technology, VigilantHalo airspace command and control, and counter-UAS capabilities into GrandSKY's facilities at Grand Forks Air Force Base as part of Project ULTRA.
• Bismarck State CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to advance hypersonic missile testing research and train students for high-tech defense industry jobs in North Dakota.
• Carahsoft Technology Corp.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarahsoft serves as featured reseller and Master Government Aggregator for BlueHalo products, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State, Local Government and Education. Products available include ARGUS Perimeter Security System.
• System of Systems Consortium (SOSSEC)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBlueHalo member of SOSSEC, an organization with over 700 members for Other Transaction Authority contracts in defense technology areas.
• Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBlueHalo member of SpEC, created by Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center to bridge commercial space startups with military buyers through OTAs.
• Aviation and Missile Technology Consortium (AMTC)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBlueHalo member of AMTC for developing and transitioning U.S. Army aviation and missile manufacturing technologies through Other Transaction Agreements.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Anduril Industries: Anduril builds AI-powered autonomous systems and C-UAS solutions for DoD, including the Roadrunner and Lattice software. Directly comparable to BlueHalo's C-UAS, autonomous swarming (HaloSwarm), and counter-drone portfolios serving the same DoD customer set with a similar venture-backed, tech-forward go-to-market.
• Kratos Defense & Security Solutions: Kratos designs and manufactures high-performance unmanned aerial systems, target drones, and directed energy / C-UAS products for DoD. Closely comparable as a smaller, tech-focused defense platform competing in tactical UAS, C-UAS, and space-adjacent RF products.
• DroneShield: DroneShield specializes in RF-based C-UAS detection and defeat systems for military and critical infrastructure customers globally. Directly comparable to BlueHalo's Titan RF C-UAS family in product, customer, and use case.

Broad incumbents

• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a top-tier defense prime with overlapping capabilities in EW, SIGINT, space payloads, and C5ISR systems. Comparable as a broader incumbent that competes with BlueHalo's Angler SDR, SharkCage, and space hardware portfolios across DoD and Intelligence Community programs.
• RTX (Raytheon): RTX's Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Collins Aerospace segments deliver C-UAS systems (Coyote), directed energy, space electronics, and EW. Overlaps with BlueHalo's LOCUST, Freedom Eagle, space hardware, and EW portfolios as a broad incumbent competitor.
• Northrop Grumman: Northrop Grumman competes across C-UAS, directed energy, space systems, and EW (e.g., IBCS integration, space payloads). A broad incumbent comparable to BlueHalo's multi-domain portfolio and prime-contractor competition profile.
• Lockheed Martin: Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control and Space segments produce C-UAS, directed energy, and space-qualified hardware. Comparable as a broad incumbent across most of BlueHalo's portfolio, especially in missile defense and space control.
• CACI International: CACI provides defense IT, SIGINT, cyber, and electronic warfare services and products for the Intelligence Community and DoD. Comparable as a broader incumbent competing with BlueHalo's EW/Cyber and Asymmetrik-derived OSINT/SIGINT capabilities.

Emerging players

• Epirus: Epirus builds high-power microwave (HPM) directed energy systems for C-UAS and electronic attack. Directly comparable emerging player in the directed-energy C-UAS category, competing with BlueHalo's LOCUST laser weapon family.
• Shield AI: Shield AI develops AI-piloted autonomous UAS (Hivemind) for DoD and intelligence customers. Comparable emerging player in autonomous aerial systems, overlapping with BlueHalo's HaloSwarm, E900/E1250, and broader autonomy roadmap.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/bluehalonation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bluehalollc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A10 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about BlueHalo