# NIOA-AeroVironment Expand Australian Munition Support

NIOA Group and AeroVironment have formed a partnership to introduce and support AeroVironment loitering munitions in Australia and New Zealand, including distribution, sustainment, and potential local industrial development. The effort aligns with Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance plan, which called for introducing the Switchblade 300 into Australian Army service by 2025; that target date has passed, and the signal does not confirm whether the introduction occurred. For procurement professionals and defense suppliers, the partnership points to potential follow-on work in local support, sustainment, and capability development rather than announcing a specific contract award or solicitation.

- NIOA is positioned for local customer engagement and support, while AeroVironment brings the loitering munition products and technology.
- The plan’s 2025 introduction target is a past milestone; companies should distinguish any subsequent support or procurement requirements from the original planned timeline.
- Contractors with relevant Australian defense support or industrial capabilities may assess fit for potential follow-on sustainment and local development work. No contract value, solicitation number, or deadline is provided.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 08, 2026

### Government Entities
- Australian Defence Force (ADF)
- Australian Army
- Australian Government

### Vendors
- NIOA Group (Local partner for distribution, customer engagement, support, sustainment, and potential Australian industrial capability development)
- AeroVironment (Loitering munition manufacturer and technology provider)

### Sources
- [NIOA, AeroVironment team to offer and support loitering munitions Down Under - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/10/nioa-aerovironment-team-to-offer-and-support-loitering-munitions-down-under) - Breaking Defense