Textron Secures Multi-Million Dollar Contracts for Drone ISR Services Supporting U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet

Textron Systems has recently won two significant contract awards from the Naval Air Systems Command to provide drone-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) services in support of the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet and other military units operating in the Pacific region. The task orders, valued at approximately $43 million and nearly $42 million respectively if all options are exercised, reflect Textron's continued role as a key provider of unmanned aviation services for the Department of Defense.

These contracts enable the U.S. Navy to enhance its ISR capabilities without the need to purchase or maintain additional drone platforms themselves. The procurement process involved selecting four vendors through a limited-source competition: AeroVironment, Shield AI, Insitu, and Textron. This strategic approach aims to leverage commercial expertise while ensuring that the military can swiftly adapt to evolving operational requirements.

Last year, the Navy outlined its criteria for these contracts, emphasizing the need for drones capable of operating independently from runways with a range of at least 75 nautical miles. The selected systems must also feature advanced sensing capabilities such as full-motion video and electro-optical/infrared sensors, alongside robust electronic warfare equipment to operate effectively in challenging environments.

Textron plans to deploy its Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones under these contracts. With a proven track record of over 750,000 operational flight hours, the Aerosonde systems are well-suited for the demands of maritime surveillance. These drones can carry up to six payloads per mission, offering extensive capabilities including full-motion video, day/night imaging, and synthetic aperture radar.

The task orders include a base period of performance along with multiple option periods extending up to five years. Textron will deliver "Maritime B-Kits" to support forces operating in the Pacific region, particularly focusing on the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet headquartered in Japan. Each kit includes an initial operational readiness phase followed by a 12-month operational period providing up to 175 sensor data hours monthly.

Sara Willett, Textron's president of programs, emphasized the company's longstanding commitment to supporting the Navy's maritime operations through contractor-owned and operated (COCO) missions. The recent contract awards further expand Textron Systems' operational footprint into additional naval vessel classes such as Littoral Combat Ships, Guided Missile Destroyers, and Maritime Support Vessels.

These developments underscore the growing reliance on commercial drone technology to bolster military ISR capabilities in strategic regions like the Pacific, where monitoring Chinese military activities is a critical priority.