AeroVironment Hires Raytheon Executive as COO

Robert Smith will oversee the company's Autonomous Systems, Space, Cyber, and Directed Energy business units.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:11am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a sleek, metallic drone component or assembly tool floating on a clean, monochromatic seamless background, dramatically lit to represent the precision engineering and advanced technology powering AeroVironment's defense products.AeroVironment's new COO appointment signals the company's commitment to scaling manufacturing and enhancing operational capabilities to meet rising demand for its defense technologies.Simi Valley Today

AeroVironment, a drone maker based in Virginia with major operations in Simi Valley, has appointed Robert Smith as its executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective April 13. In this role, Smith will oversee the company's Autonomous Systems and Space, Cyber and Directed Energy business units, as well as the company's global operations and manufacturing footprint.

Why it matters

AeroVironment's appointment of a seasoned Raytheon executive as COO reflects the company's focus on scaling manufacturing to meet rising customer demand, strengthening operational execution, and enhancing capabilities in the dynamic global defense environment.

The details

Smith joins AeroVironment from Raytheon, where he most recently served as vice president of Radio Frequency Solutions. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the company's key business units as well as its global operations and manufacturing footprint.

  • Smith's appointment as COO is effective April 13, 2026.

The players

AeroVironment

A drone maker based in Virginia with major operations in Simi Valley.

Robert Smith

The newly appointed executive vice president and chief operating officer of AeroVironment.

Wahid Nawabi

The chairman, president, and CEO of AeroVironment.

Raytheon

An RTX company where Robert Smith most recently served as vice president of Radio Frequency Solutions.

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What they’re saying

“Rob is a proven global operations leader with a track record of driving performance at large, complex and industry-leading defense companies. I am excited to welcome Rob to the team as we accelerate our work to build a stronger AV, scale our manufacturing capabilities, strengthen our supply chain and ensure our operations can support the growing demand we are experiencing.”

— Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President and CEO, AeroVironment

The takeaway

AeroVironment's appointment of a seasoned Raytheon executive as COO underscores the company's focus on scaling its manufacturing capabilities, strengthening operational execution, and enhancing its offerings in the dynamic global defense market.