Teledyne FLIR Defense has announced a significant order from AeroVironment (AV) to supply its Argus XL detection platform for the Titan multi-sensor counter-unmanned aircraft system (CUAS).

This order supports a previous $80.5 million task order AV received from the U.S. Air Force, aimed at enhancing layered base defense for the Air Force Global Strike Command, which oversees the U.S. bomber fleet and land-based nuclear missiles.

In early July, AV secured a sole-source contract worth $500 million over three years from the U.S. Department of Defense to support the Joint Interagency Task Force 401's "Homeland Shield" program. This initiative is designed to protect domestic military installations and critical infrastructure from drone attacks.

The Joint Interagency Task Force 401 is a relatively new Pentagon task force specifically tasked with addressing the growing threat of small, inexpensive drones to U.S. bases and infrastructure on home soil.

Teledyne FLIR's Argus XL system serves as the core detection component within the Titan MS architecture, integrating radar, visible and thermal imaging sensors, along with command-and-control software. It is a fixed-site, multi-sensor platform engineered for round-the-clock detection and tracking of various aerial threats, offering hemispherical coverage that includes small and micro drones.

Additionally, the Argus XL supports integration with third-party radio frequency sensors and countermeasures. Once a threat is detected, it can cue systems that jam, disable, or physically destroy the drone.

Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, highlighted the critical role of detection in counter-drone operations. "When facing drone threats, operators cannot defeat targets they cannot find," said Dr. Regina Jin, President of the Defense and Aerospace Group.