AeroVironment (AV) has received a $95.9 million contract from the US Army to develop and deliver the Freedom Eagle (FE-1) — a new-generation missile aimed at defeating advanced drone threats.
The initiative is part of the Army’s Long-Range Kinetic Interceptor program, managed through the Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center in partnership with the Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium.
AV stated that the FE-1 has achieved key testing milestones, including successful live-fire demonstrations, flight tests, and warhead assessments, confirming its maturity and low technical risk for operational use.
To achieve rapid production timelines, AV is collaborating with Applied Systems Engineering and other partners specializing in avionics and missile technologies.
Designed to counter Group 2 and Group 3 unmanned aerial systems, the interceptor targets medium-sized tactical drones used for reconnaissance, targeting, and strike missions.
The FE-1 enhances multi-layered air defense architectures, offering a kinetic engagement solution where non-kinetic systems such as jammers or lasers prove ineffective.
Its dual-thrust solid rocket motor enables fast boost and extended-range capability for longer engagements.
AeroVironment positions the FE-1 as a scalable, affordable, and high-performance missile system optimized for rapid fielding and mass production.
