
Autonomous System Delivers Scalable, Multi-Domain Effects and Modular Payloads for Standoff Operations Across Air, Ground, and Maritime Platforms


AeroVironment, Inc. (&#34;AV&#34;) (NASDAQ:AVAV) today announced the debut of

Autonomous System Delivers Scalable, Multi-Domain Effects and Modular Payloads for Standoff Operations Across Air, Ground, and Maritime Platforms


AeroVironment, Inc. ("AV") (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AVAV">AVAV</a>) today announced the debut of MAYHEM 10, a groundbreaking, multi-role launched effects system purpose-built for deployment from air, ground, and maritime platforms.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260413003361/en/" rel="nofollow">https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260413003361/en/</a><div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="bwbodyimg" style="width: 480px; float:left; padding-left:0px; padding-right:20px; padding-top:0px; padding-bottom:0px;"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" src="https://mms.businesswire.com/media/20260413003361/en/2772657/4/AV_PressRelease_Mayhem10_16x9_FINAL_1.jpg" alt="MAYHEM&#x2122; 10: A next-generation, multi-role launched effects system delivering modular, AI-enabled capabilities across air, ground, and maritime domains—empowering forces to sense, disrupt, and strike with precision at extended range in contested environments."></img>MAYHEM&#x2122; 10: A next-generation, multi-role launched effects system delivering modular, AI-enabled capabilities across air, ground, and maritime domains—empowering forces to sense, disrupt, and strike with precision at extended range in contested environments.</div>
MAYHEM 10 is an autonomous, multi-role launched effects system that delivers significant operational versatility with a modular payload that supports interchangeable lethal and non-lethal effects—including intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, communications relay, and precision strike—tailored to specific mission requirements and adaptable as operational conditions change.


"MAYHEM 10 sets a new standard for operational versatility and survivability on the modern battlefield," said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer at AV. "By integrating advanced autonomy, multi-domain payloads, and rapid adaptability, we empower our forces to sense, disrupt, and strike with precision—even in the most contested environments. This breakthrough allows commanders to extend their reach, accelerate decision-making, and maintain superiority without putting crews or high-value assets at unnecessary risk."


Developed on the heritage of AV's Switchblade&#xAE; family and designed for demanding, contested environments, MAYHEM 10 boasts a 10-pound (4.5 kg) payload capacity, up to 100 km operational range, 50 minutes of endurance, and readiness for assembly and launch in less than five minutes.


Built using a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), the system supports seamless upgrades, third-party payload integration, and unified control through AV's Tomahawk Grip controller and AV_Halo&#x2122; COMMAND interface, empowering networked, distributed, and scalable employment alone or in collaborative swarms to execute multiple effects in parallel and adapt quickly to evolving threats and mission needs.


"MAYHEM 10 changes how forces generate combat power by enabling collaborative swarm operations at scale," said Brian Young, Senior Vice President of Loitering Munitions at AV. "Operators can employ multiple systems to work collaboratively—expanding coverage, overwhelming defenses, and executing synchronized effects across the battlespace—without increasing platform risk or force concentration."


MAYHEM 10 features a removeable forward modular payload for rapid integration of third-party payloads to enhance mission flexibility. Its self-contained launcher supports flexible deployment across dismounted, mobile ground, air-mounted and vehicle-mounted operations.


Advanced autonomy is powered by an AI-driven processor and enables effective operations in contested and denied environments, with resilience to jamming, spoofing, and navigation-denied conditions. Secure navigation and communication are facilitated by M-Code GPS and Silvus datalink, while a MANET secure mesh network ensures robust command-and-control links with a 25-40 km link range.


Key features of the MAYHEM 10.

<ul xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwlistdisc">
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Multi-Platform Extended Standoff: 
 Deployable from air, ground, and maritime platforms, MAYHEM 10 extends host-platform standoff by enabling threat detection and engagement at range—pushing sensing and effects 100+ km forward while reducing risk to crews and high-value assets.

</li>
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
One System, Multiple Effects: 
 A single MAYHEM 10 supports configurations for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare/disruption, deception/decoy, communications relay, and precision strike with up to 10 lbs of tailorable nonlethal or lethal payloads—without changing launch concepts.

</li>
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Scalable, Coordinated Effects: 
 Employ MAYHEM 10 individually or in collaborative swarms to expand coverage, overwhelm or confuse defenses, and execute multiple effects in parallel—without concentrating forces or crewed platforms.

</li>
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Autonomy for Contested Environments: 
 AI-enabled autonomy allows MAYHEM 10 to maintain mission effectiveness through jamming, spoofing, degraded communications, and denied navigation, reducing reliance on continuous operator control and operator burden.

</li>
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Built to Adapt and Evolve: 
 A Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)-based, interoperable architecture enables rapid payload integration, autonomy upgrades, and system employment keeping MAYHEM 10 aligned with evolving threats, networks, and priorities.

</li>
</ul>
About AV


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=54498757&amp;newsitemid=20260413003361&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.avinc.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=e478f44932a63c9eb7409fcf808b842c" shape="rect">www.avinc.com</a>.


Safe Harbor Statement


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; market acceptance of new products; 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.

<img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" alt="" src="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20260413003361r1&amp;sid=benz2&amp;distro=nx&amp;lang=en" style="width:0;height:0"></img>View source version on businesswire.com: <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260413003361/en/" rel="nofollow">https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260413003361/en/</a>
AV Investor Contact: 
 Denise Pacioni
 <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:ir@avinc.com" shape="rect">ir@avinc.com 
</a> 805.795.4108


AV Media Contact: 
 BJ Koubaroulis
 <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:bj.koubaroulis@avinc.com" shape="rect">bj.koubaroulis@avinc.com 
</a> 747.324.5358

AVAV

AV Introduces MAYHEM 10: Multi-Role Launched Effects System at AAAA 2026

AeroVironment's MAYHEM 10 Drone Launch Enhances Military Capabilities

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
 <section data-block="information">
 <h3>Information</h3>
 Autonomous System Delivers Scalable, Multi-Domain Effects and Modular Payloads for Standoff Operations Across Air, Ground, and Maritime Platforms


AeroVironment, Inc. (&amp;#34;AV&amp;#34;) (NASDAQ:AVAV) today announced the debut of
 </section>

 <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
 <h3>AI Summary</h3>
 AeroVironment has unveiled the MAYHEM 10, boosting its competitive positioning in the defense sector. This multi-role drone, with AI autonomy and modular payloads, enhances operational versatility across multiple domains, positioning AVAV for increased contracts and revenue from military customers.
 </section>

 <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
 <h3>Key Points</h3>
 <ul><li>AeroVironment launches MAYHEM 10, a versatile military drone.</li><li>The system supports air, ground, and maritime operations.</li><li>MAYHEM 10 features AI-driven autonomy for contested environments.</li><li>It enables collaborative swarm operations to enhance battlefield effectiveness.</li><li>The platform can carry lethal and non-lethal payloads.</li></ul>
 </section>

 <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
 <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
 <ul><li>General Atomics (GA): Competitor in military UAV systems, MAYHEM 10 enhances AVAV&#039;s competitive edge.</li><li>Northrop Grumman (NOC): Northrop also focuses on UAVs; AVAV may gain contracts amid increased defense budgets.</li></ul>
 </section>

 <section data-block="category">
 <h3>Corporate Developments</h3>
 This news falls under &#039;Corporate Developments&#039; as it introduces a new product that significantly enhances AeroVironment&#039;s defense offerings, likely impacting its market share positively.
 </section>

 <section data-block="market-moving">
 <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
 <ul><li>MAYHEM 10&#039;s launch might lead to government contracts, boosting revenue.</li><li>Its advanced capabilities could attract attention from allies amid rising defense budgets.</li><li>Competitive advantages may enhance AV&#039;s position over rivals in defense technology.</li></ul>
 </section>

 <section data-block="key-facts">
 <h3>Key Facts</h3>
 <ul><li>MAYHEM 10 has a 10-pound payload capacity.</li><li>Operational range is up to 100 km with 50 minutes of endurance.</li><li>The drone can be deployed from air, ground, or maritime platforms.</li><li>Launch preparation time is less than five minutes.</li><li>The system uses AI to operate in contested environments.</li></ul>
 </section>

 <section data-block="trading-thesis">
 <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
 Buy AVAV ahead of potential contract wins related to MAYHEM 10 in the next quarter.
 </section>
</section>



Autonomous System Delivers Scalable, Multi-Domain Effects and Modular Payloads for Standoff Operations Across Air, Ground, and Maritime Platforms


AeroVironment, Inc. ("AV") (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AVAV">AVAV</a>) today announced the debut of MAYHEM 10, a groundbreaking, multi-role launched effects system purpose-built for deployment from air, ground, and maritime platforms.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260413003361/en/" rel="nofollow">https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260413003361/en/</a><div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="bwbodyimg" style="width: 480px; float:left; padding-left:0px; padding-right:20px; padding-top:0px; padding-bottom:0px;"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" src="https://mms.businesswire.com/media/20260413003361/en/2772657/4/AV_PressRelease_Mayhem10_16x9_FINAL_1.jpg" alt="MAYHEM&#x2122; 10: A next-generation, multi-role launched effects system delivering modular, AI-enabled capabilities across air, ground, and maritime domains—empowering forces to sense, disrupt, and strike with precision at extended range in contested environments."></img>MAYHEM&#x2122; 10: A next-generation, multi-role launched effects system delivering modular, AI-enabled capabilities across air, ground, and maritime domains—empowering forces to sense, disrupt, and strike with precision at extended range in contested environments.</div>
MAYHEM 10 is an autonomous, multi-role launched effects system that delivers significant operational versatility with a modular payload that supports interchangeable lethal and non-lethal effects—including intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, communications relay, and precision strike—tailored to specific mission requirements and adaptable as operational conditions change.


"MAYHEM 10 sets a new standard for operational versatility and survivability on the modern battlefield," said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer at AV. "By integrating advanced autonomy, multi-domain payloads, and rapid adaptability, we empower our forces to sense, disrupt, and strike with precision—even in the most contested environments. This breakthrough allows commanders to extend their reach, accelerate decision-making, and maintain superiority without putting crews or high-value assets at unnecessary risk."


Developed on the heritage of AV's Switchblade&#xAE; family and designed for demanding, contested environments, MAYHEM 10 boasts a 10-pound (4.5 kg) payload capacity, up to 100 km operational range, 50 minutes of endurance, and readiness for assembly and launch in less than five minutes.


Built using a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), the system supports seamless upgrades, third-party payload integration, and unified control through AV's Tomahawk Grip controller and AV_Halo&#x2122; COMMAND interface, empowering networked, distributed, and scalable employment alone or in collaborative swarms to execute multiple effects in parallel and adapt quickly to evolving threats and mission needs.


"MAYHEM 10 changes how forces generate combat power by enabling collaborative swarm operations at scale," said Brian Young, Senior Vice President of Loitering Munitions at AV. "Operators can employ multiple systems to work collaboratively—expanding coverage, overwhelming defenses, and executing synchronized effects across the battlespace—without increasing platform risk or force concentration."


MAYHEM 10 features a removeable forward modular payload for rapid integration of third-party payloads to enhance mission flexibility. Its self-contained launcher supports flexible deployment across dismounted, mobile ground, air-mounted and vehicle-mounted operations.


Advanced autonomy is powered by an AI-driven processor and enables effective operations in contested and denied environments, with resilience to jamming, spoofing, and navigation-denied conditions. Secure navigation and communication are facilitated by M-Code GPS and Silvus datalink, while a MANET secure mesh network ensures robust command-and-control links with a 25-40 km link range.


Key features of the MAYHEM 10.

<ul xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwlistdisc">
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Multi-Platform Extended Standoff: 
 Deployable from air, ground, and maritime platforms, MAYHEM 10 extends host-platform standoff by enabling threat detection and engagement at range—pushing sensing and effects 100+ km forward while reducing risk to crews and high-value assets.

</li>
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
One System, Multiple Effects: 
 A single MAYHEM 10 supports configurations for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare/disruption, deception/decoy, communications relay, and precision strike with up to 10 lbs of tailorable nonlethal or lethal payloads—without changing launch concepts.

</li>
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Scalable, Coordinated Effects: 
 Employ MAYHEM 10 individually or in collaborative swarms to expand coverage, overwhelm or confuse defenses, and execute multiple effects in parallel—without concentrating forces or crewed platforms.

</li>
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Autonomy for Contested Environments: 
 AI-enabled autonomy allows MAYHEM 10 to maintain mission effectiveness through jamming, spoofing, degraded communications, and denied navigation, reducing reliance on continuous operator control and operator burden.

</li>
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Built to Adapt and Evolve: 
 A Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)-based, interoperable architecture enables rapid payload integration, autonomy upgrades, and system employment keeping MAYHEM 10 aligned with evolving threats, networks, and priorities.

</li>
</ul>
About AV


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=54498757&amp;newsitemid=20260413003361&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.avinc.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=e478f44932a63c9eb7409fcf808b842c" shape="rect">www.avinc.com</a>.


Safe Harbor Statement


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; market acceptance of new products; 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.

<img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" alt="" src="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20260413003361r1&amp;sid=benz2&amp;distro=nx&amp;lang=en" style="width:0;height:0"></img>View source version on businesswire.com: <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260413003361/en/" rel="nofollow">https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260413003361/en/</a>
AV Investor Contact: 
 Denise Pacioni
 <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:ir@avinc.com" shape="rect">ir@avinc.com 
</a> 805.795.4108


AV Media Contact: 
 BJ Koubaroulis
 <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:bj.koubaroulis@avinc.com" shape="rect">bj.koubaroulis@avinc.com 
</a> 747.324.5358

AeroVironment has unveiled the MAYHEM 10, boosting its competitive positioning in the defense sector. This multi-role drone, with AI autonomy and modular payloads, enhances operational versatility across multiple domains, positioning AVAV for increased contracts and revenue from military customers.

AV Introduces MAYHEM 10: Multi-Role Launched Effects System at AAAA 2026

AI Summary

Sentiment Rationale

Trading Thesis

Market-Moving

Key Facts

Companies Mentioned

Corporate Developments

Related News