The Netherlands Ministry of Defence awarded AeroVironment (Nasdaq: AVAV) a $7.7 million contract for RQ-11B (Raven) small unmanned aircraft systems. The order includes new aircraft systems as well as training, logistics support, and airworthiness certification. and is fully funded.
“We performed a thorough competitive selection process and the Raven came out as a clear winner,” said Frans Klein, Head Section Unmanned Aircrafts for The Netherlands Defense Materiel Organisation. “Decisive elements in the selection were hand-launchability, reliability, ease of use, robustness, and proven, in-theatre operational performance.” The Dutch selection of Raven continues AeroVironment’s international success in marketing its small UAVs, following the enthusiastic endorsement of the systems by the US Army and Marine Corps. Other international armies that acquired Ravens sofar include Italy, Denmark, Australia and Spain.
