AeroVironment Reports Q3 Earnings Miss

Funding delays, Space program changes impact results

Mar. 10, 2026 at 10:41pm

AeroVironment (NASDAQ:AVAV) executives reported fiscal third-quarter results came in below internal expectations due to government funding delays that pushed some anticipated orders out by a quarter or two, as well as adjustments in the company's Space business following changes to a major U.S. Space Force program.

Why it matters

AeroVironment is a leading provider of unmanned aerial systems, tactical missiles, and other advanced technologies for defense, public safety, and commercial markets. The company's quarterly performance and outlook provide insight into the broader trends and challenges facing the aerospace and defense industry.

The details

The company said it remained in discussions with the U.S. Space Force regarding the BADGER phased-array antenna system supporting the SCAR (Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource) program, but had not reached a mutually acceptable agreement to modify the existing contract and resume work. As a result, the U.S. Space Force concluded it would terminate the existing contract for convenience, pay allowable incurred costs with a fee, and enable AeroVironment to recompete under revised requirements.

  • AeroVironment reported fiscal third-quarter results on March 10, 2026.

The players

AeroVironment, Inc.

A technology company specializing in unmanned aerial systems, tactical missiles, precision loitering munitions, electric vehicle charging, and scalable energy systems.

Wahid Nawabi

Chairman, President and CEO of AeroVironment.

Kevin McDonnell

Executive Vice President and CFO of AeroVironment.

U.S. Space Force

The space warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces.

SCAR (Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource) program

A U.S. Space Force program that AeroVironment's BADGER phased-array antenna system supports.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The company expects to provide more details on its plans to transition certain offerings, such as LOCUST, laser communications terminals, and laser communication gunsights, toward commercial product models intended to support scalability and profitability over time.

The takeaway

AeroVironment's third-quarter results highlight the challenges facing defense and aerospace companies, including government funding delays and program changes. However, the company's strong backlog and new contract awards suggest ongoing demand for its advanced technologies in both military and commercial markets.