AeroVironment expands into Europe with new UK office and defence deal with TIA Group

The Hereford office will host a specialised team representing product lines including Tomahawk Ground Control Systems (GCS), small uncrewed aircraft systems, medium uncrewed aircraft systems, and ground-based systems. The team will focus on innovation, operational support, and strengthening AeroVironment’s regional presence.

“We are intentionally investing and expanding in the UK to strengthen our global network and better collaborate with our key European defence customers–all with a mission of driving innovative, next-generation solutions to our warfighters and allies,” said Trace Stevenson, president of Autonomous Systems at AV. “From our Tomahawk GCS to our industry-leading precision strike and defensive systems, AV’s cutting-edge, integrated, reliable, and agile solutions are meeting the evolving needs of our customers worldwide.”

Alongside the office opening, AeroVironment has announced a coproduction agreement with TIA Group to begin UK-based manufacturing operations. Located in Aerotech Business Park in Cheltenham, TIA will produce AV’s Tomahawk GCS Grip 23 TE controller, designed for human-machine integration and situational awareness across all-domain uncrewed missions.

“TIA Group is proud to have established a strong partnership with AV, positioning us to fully support their expansion into the UK and regional markets,” said David G. Watson MBE, Managing Director of TIA Group. “This significant collaboration milestone will broaden AV’s reach and enable the delivery of a responsive, first-class service, providing best-in-class AV products to UKMOD, our European partners, and allied nations. By leveraging TIA Group’s expertise in design, development, and manufacturing here in the UK, we will continue to provide customers worldwide with the agility and innovation they need.”

“Our expansion across the UK not only cements the Tomahawk Grip as a cornerstone for our growth in regional markets but also enhances our ability to deliver the broader family of AV systems to our global allies with scale and speed,” said Jason Hendrix, AV’s vice president and general manager of Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems. “Through strong partnerships with industry leaders like TIA and key customers like the UK MOD and other NATO allies, we are establishing a foundation for future expansion to meet the evolving needs of the global defence industry.”