AeroVironment (AV) has secured a $95.9-million contract from the U.S. Army to produce and deliver its new Freedom Eagle (FE-1) interceptor missile, developed to counter next-generation unmanned aerial threats. The FE-1 is designed to engage and destroy medium-sized tactical drones, offering a kinetic solution for modern air-defense missions.
The contract falls under the Long-Range Kinetic Interceptor (LRKI) program, overseen by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center in collaboration with the Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium. The initiative supports the Army’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its layered counter-drone defense capabilities.
According to AeroVironment, the FE-1 has successfully completed key development milestones, including live-fire testing, controlled test vehicle launches, and warhead evaluations. These achievements demonstrate the interceptor’s readiness for production and low technical risk ahead of field deployment. The missile employs a dual-thrust solid rocket motor, providing rapid acceleration and sustained thrust for extended-range engagements.
To expedite design and production, AV has partnered with Applied Systems Engineering and other industry specialists. The Freedom Eagle is engineered to counter Group 2 and Group 3 unmanned aerial systems, which include drones used for reconnaissance, targeting, and light-strike roles. Positioned as a low-cost, high-performance interceptor, the FE-1 enhances the U.S. Army’s ability to neutralize aerial threats when non-kinetic countermeasures such as jamming or directed energy prove insufficient.
