- AeroVironment and Athens-based Eyeonix formed AV Eagle following foreign direct investment approval from Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- The joint venture could establish a Greek facility for unmanned aerial systems, loitering munitions and counter-UAS production
- AV Eagle is expected to become operational in fiscal 2027, with production capabilities targeted for 2028
AeroVironment is expanding its European defense operations through a new Greek joint venture with Athens-based Eyeonix SA, creating a platform for localized manufacturing, investment and support for unmanned systems.
Why is AeroVironment establishing a joint venture in Greece?
AV Eagle, expected to become operational in fiscal year 2027, is designed to expand the defense technology company’s ability to pursue opportunities in Greece and the broader European market, AV said Thursday.
Wahid Nawabi, chairman, president and CEO of AeroVironment, and a 2026 Wash100 awardee, said the evolving security environment in Europe is driving unprecedented demand for reliable autonomous systems.
“This joint venture is about more than delivering technology—it’s about building long-term capacity with Greece and our NATO allies and partners, creating opportunities for local industry, and scaling manufacturing to meet urgent operational needs,” he added.
Eyeonix SA CEO George K. Strouzakis said the partnership with AeroVironment will advance European defense industrial cooperation by combining U.S. unmanned technologies with European innovation and integration expertise to support modernization, strengthen resilience and accelerate capability deployment.
What defense systems could AV Eagle produce?
Production capabilities are expected to become operational by 2028. The joint venture could establish a new facility in Greece to manufacture and assemble unmanned aerial systems, loitering munition systems and counter-unmanned aircraft systems for defense and civil protection customers.
AV Eagle will also collaborate with local industry and the Hellenic Center for Defence Innovation to accelerate fielding timelines and strengthen allied readiness.
What other AeroVironment developments are relevant to its European expansion?
The move comes as AeroVironment expands its European customer and industrial base. The company’s recent activity includes a contract valued at up to $181 million from Denmark’s Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation for JUMP 20 medium uncrewed aircraft systems to support the Danish Army’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
AV subsidiary Telerob also secured a contract to deliver 41 telemax HT300 uncrewed ground vehicles to the German Federal Armed Forces for explosive ordnance disposal and counter-improvised explosive device missions. The vehicles are being manufactured at Telerob’s facility in Ostfildern, Germany.
In Italy, the Ministry of Defence awarded AeroVironment a five-year, $46.6 million contract for JUMP 20 vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The agreement includes engineering services, initial sustainment and on-site technical support, with the systems slated to replace Italy’s Shadow tactical drone fleet.
