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<i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">De...

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<i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Defense Veteran to Strengthen Operational Execution as AV Scales Manufacturing and Supply Chain Capabilities</i>

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AeroVironment, Inc. ("AV") (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AVAV">AVAV</a>), a global defense technology leader, today announced the appointment of Dr. Robert (Rob) Smith as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective April 13, 2026.

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In this role, Dr. Smith will oversee the Company's Autonomous Systems (AxS) and Space, Cyber and Directed Energy (SCDE) business units, as well as the Company's global operations and manufacturing footprint. His appointment reflects AV's continued focus on scaling manufacturing to meet rising customer demand, strengthening operational execution and enhancing capabilities in a dynamic global defense environment. Dr. Smith will report to Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

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Dr. Smith joins AV from Raytheon, an RTX company, where he most recently served as Vice President, Radio Frequency Solutions. At Raytheon, Dr. Smith oversaw the P&amp;L for a multi-billion-dollar radar and electronic warfare business. Previously, he was Vice President of Mission Suites, responsible for leading the development and delivery of integrated sensor and electronic warfare products and systems for U.S. and international customers.

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"Rob is a proven global operations leader with a track record of driving performance at large, complex and industry-leading defense companies," said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "I am excited to welcome Rob to the team as we accelerate our work to build a stronger AV, scale our manufacturing capabilities, strengthen our supply chain and ensure our operations can support the growing demand we are experiencing."

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"AV is pioneering the development and delivery of leading-edge autonomous defense technologies, and I am honored to join the team at this important time," said Dr. Smith. "I have admired AV's portfolio and success and look forward to working with Wahid and the leadership team to advance the Company's strategic priorities, deliver for our customers and drive value creation for shareholders."

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<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About Dr. Rob Smith</b>

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Prior to joining Raytheon, Dr. Smith was the Senior Vice President and General Manager, Integrated Defense Solutions for CAES. Previously, he was President of Government Operations at BWX Technologies (BWXT), where he was responsible for all of the company's U.S.-based nuclear business lines, including the company's work for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Nuclear Security Administration, NASA and other government customers. Prior to joining BWXT, Dr. Smith held multiple executive roles at Lockheed Martin, and Nantero's Government Business Unit where he played a critical role in the acquisition by Lockheed. He was also a Director at Windermere and a civil servant in the intelligence community where he held various operational, engineering, and leadership positions. Dr. Smith holds a bachelor's degree (Cum Laude) in chemical engineering from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Auburn University, and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University.

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<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About AV</b>

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AeroVironment ("AV") (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AVAV">AVAV</a>) is a defense technology leader delivering integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The Company develops and deploys autonomous systems, loitering munitions, counter-UAS technologies, space-based platforms, directed energy systems, and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities—built to meet the mission needs of today's warfighter and tomorrow's conflicts. At the core of these technologies lies AV_Halo&#x2122;, a modular, mission-ready suite of AI-powered software tools that empowers warfighters and enables full-battlefield dominance: detect, decide, deliver. With a national manufacturing footprint and a deep innovation pipeline, AV delivers proven systems and future-defining capabilities at speed, scale, and operational relevance. For more information, visit <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.avinc.com%2F&amp;esheet=54488421&amp;newsitemid=20260409189494&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.avinc.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=8b896ed004e9f7cf63f3d8966bfa7481" shape="rect">www.avinc.com</a>.

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<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Safe Harbor Statement</b>

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Certain statements in this press release may constitute &#34;forward-looking statements&#34; as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain new ones; regulatory changes; competitor activities; market growth; product development challenges; and general economic conditions. For a more detailed discussion of these risks, please refer to AeroVironment's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" alt="" src="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20260409189494r1&amp;sid=benz2&amp;distro=nx&amp;lang=en" style="width:0;height:0"></img><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwct31415"></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-phrase">View source version on businesswire.com: </span><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-link"><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260409189494/en/" rel="nofollow">https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260409189494/en/</a></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">AV Investor Contact: 
</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>Denise Pacioni
<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:ir@avinc.com" shape="rect">ir@avinc.com 
</a><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>805.795.4108
<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>
<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">AV Media Contact: 
</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>BJ Koubaroulis
<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:bj.koubaroulis@avinc.com" shape="rect">bj.koubaroulis@avinc.com 
</a><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>747.324.5358

</p>

AVAV

AV Appoints Dr. Robert Smith as Chief Operating Officer

AeroVironment Appoints Defense Veteran to Oversee Operations

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; class=&quot;bwalignc&quot;&gt;
&lt;i xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;De...</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>AeroVironment appointed Dr. Rob Smith as COO, effective April 13, 2026, aiming to enhance operational execution and manufacturing capabilities. His extensive background in defense technology, particularly from Raytheon, positions AV for growth amid rising demand in the defense sector.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>Dr. Rob Smith appointed COO of AeroVironment effective April 2026.</li><li>He will enhance manufacturing and supply chain capabilities amid rising demand.</li><li>Smith has extensive experience in defense, previously at Raytheon and other firms.</li><li>His leadership is expected to strengthen AV&#039;s operational execution and growth.</li><li>The appointment aligns with AV&#039;s strategy to scale up for future defense needs.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>Raytheon (RTX)</strong>: Smith&#039;s experience may bring valuable insights to AV.</li><li><strong>Lockheed Martin (LMT)</strong>: Smith&#039;s background in defense could bolster AV&#039;s innovation.</li><li><strong>BWX Technologies (BWXT)</strong>: Smith&#039;s leadership roles highlight a strong operational focus.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Corporate Developments</h3>
    <p>This falls under Corporate Developments as the leadership change is strategic to improve operational execution and scaling capabilities for growth.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>Appointment of Dr. Smith might lead to improved supply chain efficiencies.</li><li>Expect enhanced investor confidence with proven leadership in defense technology.</li><li>Scalability of manufacturing may lead to revenue growth in upcoming quarters.</li><li>Increased demand for autonomous systems could positively impact AV&#039;s stock price.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>Dr. Rob Smith&#039;s role starts April 13, 2026.</li><li>He has previously managed multi-billion-dollar defense operations.</li><li>AeroVironment develops technologies across air, land, sea, space, and cyber.</li><li>The company aims to scale operations to meet rising defense demand.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Consider buying AVAV as the new COO should enhance operational capability, driving future growth.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<article>
    <header>
        <h1>AV Appoints Dr. Robert Smith as Chief Operating Officer</h1>
        <p><i>Defense Veteran to Strengthen Operational Execution as AV Scales Manufacturing and Supply Chain Capabilities.</i></p>
    </header>
    
    <section>
        <h2>Overview of the Appointment</h2>
        <p>AeroVironment, Inc. ("AV") (NASDAQ: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AVAV">AVAV</a>), a prominent figure in defense technology, has announced the appointment of Dr. Robert (Rob) Smith as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective April 13, 2026. This strategic move underscores AV's commitment to bolstering its operational capabilities while scaling its manufacturing efforts to meet increasing customer demand.</p>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h2>Dr. Smith's Role and Responsibilities</h2>
        <p>In his new role, Dr. Smith will be tasked with overseeing key sectors of the Company, including the Autonomous Systems (AxS) and Space, Cyber, and Directed Energy (SCDE) business units. His leadership is expected to significantly enhance AV's global operations and manufacturing footprint. Dr. Smith's appointment is poised to strengthen AV's position within a rapidly evolving defense market.</p>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h2>Background on Dr. Smith</h2>
        <p>Before joining AV, Dr. Smith held senior positions at Raytheon, an RTX company, where he served as Vice President of Radio Frequency Solutions and managed a multi-billion-dollar radar and electronic warfare business. His previous experience also includes a role as Vice President of Mission Suites, where he led the development of integrated sensor and electronic warfare products for both U.S. and international markets.</p>
        <p>“Rob is a proven global operations leader with a track record of driving performance at large, complex, and industry-leading defense companies,” stated Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of AV. “I am excited to welcome Rob to the team as we accelerate our work to build a stronger AV and ensure our operations can support the growing demand we are experiencing.”</p>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h2>Dr. Smith's Vision for AV</h2>
        <p>Expressing his enthusiasm about joining the AV team, Dr. Smith remarked, “AV is pioneering the development and delivery of leading-edge autonomous defense technologies. I have admired AV's portfolio and success and look forward to working with Wahid and the leadership team to advance the Company's strategic priorities and drive value creation for shareholders.”</p>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h2>About Dr. Rob Smith</h2>
        <p>Dr. Smith's extensive career includes pivotal roles such as Senior Vice President and General Manager for Integrated Defense Solutions at CAES and President of Government Operations at BWX Technologies (BWXT). At BWXT, he oversaw various U.S.-based nuclear business lines. Notably, he has a solid foundation in leadership with roles at Lockheed Martin and within the intelligence community.</p>
        <ul>
            <li>Bachelor's degree (Cum Laude) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland Baltimore County</li>
            <li>Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University</li>
            <li>MBA from Johns Hopkins University</li>
        </ul>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h2>About AeroVironment (AV)</h2>
        <p>AeroVironment (NASDAQ: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AVAV">AVAV</a>) is at the forefront of defense technology, providing integrated solutions that span air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. The firm specializes in the development and deployment of autonomous systems, counter-UAS technologies, directed energy systems, and more, designed to meet the demands of modern warfare.</p>
        <p>Central to AV's offerings is AV_Halo™, a suite of AI-powered software tools that enhances the operational readiness of defense personnel. With a robust national manufacturing footprint and a pipeline of innovation, AV is committed to delivering impactful defense capabilities swiftly and effectively.</p>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h2>Forward-Looking Statements</h2>
        <p>Some statements in this announcement may be considered "forward-looking" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Factors influencing these differences include AV's performance under existing contracts, regulatory changes, and overall market conditions. For more detailed risk information, please refer to AeroVironment's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p>
    </section>

    <footer>
        <h2>Contact Information</h2>
        <p>
            <strong>AV Investor Contact:</strong><br>
            Denise Pacioni<br>
            <a href="mailto:ir@avinc.com">ir@avinc.com</a><br>
            Phone: 805.795.4108<br>
            <strong>AV Media Contact:</strong><br>
            BJ Koubaroulis<br>
            <a href="mailto:bj.koubaroulis@avinc.com">bj.koubaroulis@avinc.com</a><br>
            Phone: 747.324.5358
        </p>
    </footer>
</article>

AeroVironment appointed Dr. Rob Smith as COO, effective April 13, 2026, aiming to enhance operational execution and manufacturing capabilities. His extensive background in defense technology, particularly from Raytheon, positions AV for growth amid rising demand in the defense sector.

AV Appoints Dr. Robert Smith as Chief Operating Officer

AI Summary

Sentiment Rationale

Trading Thesis

Market-Moving

Key Facts

Companies Mentioned

Corporate Developments

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