AEVEX Aerospace
AEVEX Aerospace is a U.S. defense technology company that designs, manufactures, and operates autonomous unmanned aerial and surface systems, AI-driven navigation and targeting software, and additive-manufactured platforms, primarily serving the U.S. Department of Defense and allied government customers.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersArlington, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What AEVEX Aerospace does
AEVEX Aerospace is a U.S. defense technology company headquartered in Solana Beach, California, that designs, manufactures, and operates autonomous unmanned aerial systems (UAS), unmanned surface vessels (USVs), and AI-driven navigation and targeting software primarily for the U.S. Department of Defense and allied government customers. The company's portfolio is organized around three integrated product lines: (1) the CompassX open-standards AI autonomy platform, comprising CompassCore (MOSA/NDAA-compliant hardware), CompassVision (vision-based navigation with <5m RMS accuracy in GPS-denied environments), CompassEngage (autonomous target engagement software), CompassPNT (assured PNT family), and CompassEarth (geospatial intelligence); (2) a portfolio of Group I–III precision-strike UAS (Atlas, Disruptor, Dominator, Dagger, Raker, Onyx, Vandal, Sicario, X-Frame), the Mariana long-endurance aircraft, and Mako/Mako Lite USVs, plus the partner-developed OmniRaider VTOL UAS with Israel Aerospace Industries; and (3) mission solutions including ForgeX additive manufacturing, full-spectrum airborne ISR, intelligence analysis, aircraft modification (FAA Part 145), flight operations, and counter-UAS red teaming.
The company generates revenue primarily through fixed-price U.S. Government contracts for hardware/systems delivery (one-time license/sales) and recurring managed services such as the FIRIS airborne ISR program for Cal OES. Approximately 78% of FY2025 revenue ($432.9M) and ~84% of funded backlog ($503.1M total, $356.6M funded) derived from U.S. Government customers, with about two-thirds of recent revenue tied to Ukraine-related UAS programs (per Goldman Sachs research). AEVEX operates ~100,000 sq ft of distributed manufacturing and modification facilities across California, Florida, Virginia, Ohio, and Alabama, employs approximately 650 people (including 150+ engineers), and has delivered over 9,300 unmanned systems to operational environments representing more than $1.2 billion in contract value. The company completed its NYSE IPO (AVEX) in April 2026, raising $320M, and a $154.6M follow-on offering in June 2026, with FY2026 revenue guidance of $600-620M.
AEVEX Aerospace firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- AEVEX Aerospace
- Legal name
- AEVEX Corp.
- Website
- https://aevex.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Ipo
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- AEVEX Aerospace is a U.S. defense technology company that designs, manufactures, and operates autonomous unmanned aerial and surface systems, AI-driven navigation and targeting software, and additive-manufactured platforms, primarily serving the U.S. Department of Defense and allied government customers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
AEVEX Aerospace industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Defense Aerospace Unmanned Systems
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Aircraft & Parts (3720), Aircraft (3721)
- akta.pro primary industry
- VTOL & Hybrid UAV Platforms (IMABAIAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Aerial Platforms (IMABAMAC), Autonomy Software, AI & Mission Management (UAS/UXV) (IMABAIAH), Autonomous Flight Control & Guidance Systems (UAS/Urban Air Mobility) (IMABAFAO), Maritime Unmanned Systems (USV/UUV) & Control Stations (IMABAKAJ), Military Avionics, Mission Computers & Flight Controls (IMABAMAE)
Keywords
Where AEVEX Aerospace is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Arlington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices10 records
Markets served
AEVEX Aerospace business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- U.S. Government Defense Contracts (Hardware/Systems Sales): Primary revenue stream generated via one-time and multi-year fixed-price government contracts for delivery of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned surface vessels (USVs), loitering munitions, and additive-manufactured platforms. Q1 2026 revenue of $216.7M (up 307% YoY) driven primarily by $161.0M higher revenue from UAS products in the Tactical Systems segment, anchored by execution of the EUCOM Deep Strike program. 78% of 2025 revenue derived from U.S. Government; roughly 84% of funded backlog tied to U.S. government contracts.
- Managed Airborne ISR Services (FIRIS Program): Recurring/repeat contract revenue from operating the Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System (FIRIS) for California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). $15.2M option year contract continues program that has delivered 2,600+ flight hours and ~1,700 missions since 2020. AEVEX operates and sustains manned and unmanned aircraft for persistent ISR collection.
- Full-Spectrum Airborne ISR & Mission Support Services: Recurring revenue from manned and unmanned ISR aircraft operations, sensor integration (EO/IR, radar, SIGINT), and mission support services. Includes flight operations, maintenance, aircrew training, data management, and processing/exploitation/dissemination (PED). Supports U.S. Africa Command ARIES task order via SMX partnership.
- Aircraft Integration, Modification, and Testing Services: Professional services revenue from FAA Part 145 certified repair station, AS9100 fabrication, and Transport Canada/international approvals. Includes design, testing, repair, certification, structural modifications, systems integration, and STC development for turboprops to transport category jets. Recent example: $12.3M multi-mission DHC-6-300 Twin Otter delivery to Oregon Department of Forestry.
- Intelligence Analysis and Geospatial Intelligence Services: Recurring revenue from intelligence analysis and multi-domain data fusion services (air, land, sea, space, cyber) for defense and intelligence customers, leveraging AEVEX's CompassEarth platform and analyst expertise in ISR data processing.
- Counter-UAS Red Teaming and Threat Replication Services: Recurring/subscription-style revenue from C-UAS Red Teaming, RF analysis, mission systems integration, vulnerability assessment, and threat emulation services for defense customers across CONUS and OCONUS locations.
- Engineering Services and Field Support: Recurring revenue from engineering services and field support teams bundled with hardware contracts (e.g., $18.5M USAF contract includes AEVEX engineering and field services teams supporting Group 3 UAS delivery). Vertically integrated engineering capabilities are a key differentiator.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Government contract pricing — quote-based, not publicly disclosed |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
AEVEX Aerospace product offering
Product offeringCore offering
AEVEX Aerospace designs, manufactures, and fields modular unmanned aerial systems (Group I–III), unmanned surface vessels (USVs), and the proprietary CompassX AI-driven navigation and autonomy platform for U.S. and allied defense customers. The company also delivers full-spectrum airborne ISR services, aircraft modification/integration, additive manufacturing (ForgeX), intelligence analysis, and flight operations support to U.S. Department of Defense, special operations, and civilian government agencies.
Product overview
AEVEX Aerospace operates a platform-plus-modules architecture organized into three integrated product lines: (1) Advanced Autonomy — the CompassX open-standards AI/navigation platform composed of the CompassCore hardware module, CompassVision vision-based navigation, CompassEngage autonomous engagement software, CompassPNT positioning/navigation/timing family, and CompassEarth geospatial intelligence module; (2) Unmanned Systems — a portfolio of Precision Strike UAS (Sicario, X-Frame, Atlas, Dagger, Vandal, Onyx, Raker, Disruptor, Dominator), Long Endurance Aircraft (Mariana), and Unmanned Surface Vessels (Mako, Mako Lite), together with the partner-developed OmniRaider VTOL; and (3) Mission Solutions — including the ForgeX additive-manufacturing Drone Factory of the Future, Intelligence Analysis, Full Spectrum Airborne ISR, Aircraft Integration/Modification/Testing, Flight Operations and Mission Support, and Counter UAS Red Teaming services. The CompassX autonomy stack is the unifying technology thread that powers navigation, targeting, and mission execution across the air and maritime unmanned platforms, while the Mission Solutions services wrap engineering, manufacturing, flight operations, and intelligence around those platforms.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CompassX: AEVEX's open standards, AI-driven navigation and autonomy platform that unites crewed and uncrewed systems; includes CompassCore, CompassVision, CompassEngage, CompassPNT, and CompassEarth modules.
- ForgeX
- Atlas
- Disruptor
- Raker
- Vandal
- Dominator
- Mako
- Mako Lite
- Mariana
- Dagger
- Sicario
- X-Frame
- Onyx
Products and services
- CompassX
- CompassCore
- CompassVision
- CompassEngage
- CompassPNT
- CompassEarth
- Sicario
- X-Frame
- Atlas Precision Strike System
- Dagger Precision Strike UAS
Companies that use AEVEX Aerospace
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
AEVEX Aerospace technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
AI capability10 records
Feature18 records
AEVEX Aerospace partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- Persistent SystemscoreAEVEX joined Persistent Systems' Wave Relay MANET Ecosystem as the 20th partner, integrating Wave Relay MANET technology into AEVEX's Atlas UAS and Mako/Mako Lite unmanned surface vessels. Provides scalable communication fabric for connecting unmanned systems, sensors, and warfighters.
- Athena Technology Solutions Holdings, LLCcoreAEVEX plans to use IPO proceeds to acquire 16 million shares in Athena Technology Solutions Holdings, a provider of full-spectrum airborne intelligence solutions. The acquisition strengthens AEVEX's airborne ISR capabilities and complements existing CompassX-enabled airborne ISR offerings.
- X-Bow SystemscoreAEVEX signed a $12.2 million contract with X-Bow Systems to supply thousands of solid rocket motors and launch cradles for drones, enabling takeoff from unprepared surfaces and confined spaces. Deliveries scheduled from March to August 2026. X-Bow's patented Additive Manufactured Solid Propellant technology enables rapid transition from contract award to operational deployment.
- NATO (REPMUS 2026 exercise)coreAEVEX Aerospace announced it will participate for the first time in NATO-led REPMUS 2026 unmanned maritime systems exercise in Troia, Portugal, alongside Commander, Task Force 66, deploying Mako unmanned surface vessels during the August-September exercise. Co-hosted by Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division and U.S. Naval Academy.
- SelectTech Services CorporationcoreSelectTech Services Corporation and AEVEX jointly developed ForgeX, a fully expandable composite shelter with integrated additive manufacturing capabilities for military field environments. Enables units to 3D-print mission-critical tools, replacement parts, and unmanned aircraft on-site without relying on supply chains.
- RapidFlightcoreAEVEX acquired select assets from RapidFlight, expanding its UAS portfolio and launching the 'Drone Factory of the Future' additive manufacturing system. Acquisition drives integration of additive manufacturing capabilities for Raker, Onyx, Vandal systems.
- Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)flagshipIAI and AEVEX jointly debuted the OmniRaider next-generation VTOL UAS at AUSA 2025. System features 12-14 hours endurance, 100-mile range, and multi-payload flexibility for simultaneous reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike. OmniRaider is based on the operational ThunderB platform and manufactured/fielded in the U.S. at AEVEX's Tampa facility. Strategy combines Israeli technology with U.S. domestic production.
- PipistrelminorDeveloped in collaboration with TSC and Pipistrel, the Mariana Long Endurance Aircraft (LEA) expands AEVEX's portfolio of advanced unmanned and optionally crewed systems.
- SMXcoreAEVEX Aerospace partnered with SMX to support U.S. Africa Command ARIES Task Order, providing Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (PED) services for manned and unmanned platforms. Joint delivery of ISR services to AFRICOM.
- Veth Research Associates (VRA)coreAEVEX Aerospace acquired Veth Research Associates to enhance capabilities for contested and GPS-denied environments. The acquisition strengthens AEVEX's unmanned autonomy solutions and CompassX navigation/autonomy platform.
Scale indicators15 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights8 records
AEVEX Aerospace competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Shield AI: Shield AI is a direct peer offering Hivemind autonomy software (analogous to CompassEngage/CompassX) and V-BAT vertical takeoff UAS. It targets the same DoD customer set and competes for autonomy, ISR, and tactical UAS dollars that AEVEX pursues.
- AeroVironment: AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) is the closest direct peer — a U.S. defense company producing loitering munitions (Switchblade), tactical UAS, and autonomous systems for the same DoD customers (U.S. Army, USSOCOM, USAF). AEVEX's Atlas launched effect directly competes with Switchblade in LE-SR and adjacent programs.
- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions: Kratos (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a direct peer in attritable Group 3+ UAS (XQ-58 Valkyrie, MQM-178 Firejet), target drones, and uncrewed combat aircraft. It overlaps with AEVEX's Disruptor/Dominator and competes for USAF attritable UAS opportunities.
- Anduril Industries: Anduril is a direct peer in AI-driven autonomy and unmanned systems, building Lattice (software backbone analogous to CompassX), Bolt / Roadrunner (UAS), and Dive-LD (USV). It competes with AEVEX for autonomy-stack and launched-effects contracts across DoD services.
Others
- Persistent Systems: Persistent Systems is an enabling/ecosystem partner (Wave Relay MANET, of which AEVEX is the 20th member) rather than a direct competitor. It supplies the mobile ad hoc networking layer that AEVEX integrates into Atlas UAS and Mako USVs, and is useful as a benchmark for defense communications and networking adjacencies.
Broad incumbents
- Northrop Grumman: Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) is a broad incumbent defense prime supplying autonomy, PNT, ISR aircraft, and integrated mission solutions across air, sea, and space. It supplies CompassPNT-compatible IMUs and competes at the platform-of-systems level for autonomy and integrated airframe contracts.
- Lockheed Martin: Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is a broad incumbent defense prime with portfolio breadth across manned/unmanned ISR, precision strike, and integrated autonomy. It competes with AEVEX on launched effects and large DoD autonomy programs as a tier-1 integrator.
- Mercury Systems: Mercury Systems (NASDAQ: MRCY) is a broad incumbent in mission-critical defense electronics and avionics, overlapping with AEVEX's CompassCore/CompassPNT hardware stack. The AEVEX CEO was previously Mercury Systems COO, and the SVP Strategy led 18 acquisitions there, illustrating the deep competitive and talent overlap.
- Teledyne Technologies (FLIR): Teledyne (NYSE: TDY), including FLIR Systems, is a broad incumbent in sensors, imaging, and integrated unmanned solutions across defense and aerospace. AEVEX's CEO previously led FLIR's Unmanned Systems & Integrated Solutions business and AEVEX's CFO came from Teledyne FLIR, making it a close benchmark for unmanned-aerospace portfolio value.
Emerging players
- Red Cat Holdings: Red Cat (NASDAQ: RCAT) is an emerging small-UAS provider focused on military/ISR sUAS (Teal 2, Black Widow). It competes with AEVEX's Group I platforms (Sicario, X-Frame) and pursues similar U.S. Army and USSOCOM programs, though at a smaller scale and narrower scope.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
AEVEX Aerospace social profiles
Digital presenceAEVEX Aerospace compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
AEVEX Aerospace financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
AEVEX Aerospace leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles15 records
AEVEX Aerospace subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
AEVEX Aerospace funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
AEVEX Aerospace M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A4 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about AEVEX Aerospace
What does AEVEX Aerospace do?
AEVEX Aerospace designs, manufactures, and fields modular unmanned aerial systems (Group I–III), unmanned surface vessels (USVs), and the proprietary CompassX AI-driven navigation and autonomy platform for U.S. and allied defense customers. The company also delivers full-spectrum airborne ISR services, aircraft modification/integration, additive manufacturing (ForgeX), intelligence analysis, and flight operations support to U.S. Department of Defense, special operations, and civilian government agencies.
Is AEVEX Aerospace a public or private company?
AEVEX Aerospace is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently ipo.
When was AEVEX Aerospace founded?
AEVEX Aerospace was founded in 2020. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is AEVEX Aerospace based?
AEVEX Aerospace is headquartered in Arlington, United States, in the North America region.
How does AEVEX Aerospace make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. U.S. Government Defense Contracts (Hardware/Systems Sales) is the primary driver. The others are managed Airborne ISR Services (FIRIS Program), full-Spectrum Airborne ISR & Mission Support Services, aircraft Integration, Modification, and Testing Services, intelligence Analysis and Geospatial Intelligence Services, counter-UAS Red Teaming and Threat Replication Services and engineering Services and Field Support.
Who are AEVEX Aerospace's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Shield AI, AeroVironment, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions and Anduril Industries. Persistent Systems is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Mercury Systems and Teledyne Technologies (FLIR). Red Cat Holdings is listed as an emerging player.
Does AEVEX Aerospace have an API?
No public API is recorded for AEVEX Aerospace.
What industry is AEVEX Aerospace in?
AEVEX Aerospace's product category is Defense Aerospace Unmanned Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAIAC, VTOL & Hybrid UAV Platforms, with a secondary code of IMABAMAC, Military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Aerial Platforms. Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3812.