FLIR Systems (Nasdaq: FLIR) has acquired Waterloo, Canada-based unmanned aerial systems developer Aeryon Labs for approximately $200M in a move to expand UAS offerings for military customers.
Aeryon will operate under the unmanned systems and integrated solutions division of FLIR’s government and defense business, the Wilsonville, Ore.-based sensor manufacturer said Monday.
James Cannon, president and CEO of FLIR Systems, said the transaction reinforces the company’s strategy to move beyond offering sensor technology to the development of integrated products designed to save lives and livelihoods.
FLIR has aimed to further grow its unmanned systems portfolio after its 2016 acquisition of nano-UAS maker Prox Dynamics.
“We intend to continue to invest and build this area of our business and broaden our capabilities as we view unmanned and autonomous solutions to be a significant opportunity for organic growth in the coming years,†Cannon added.
Aeryon builds less than 20 pound-drones for military, public safety and critical infrastructure applications. The vertical takeoff-and-landing quadcopters are equipped with multiple sensors such as FLIR-made thermal technology.
