QinetiQ US has been awarded the Aerial Target Systems 3 (ATS-3) contract by the U.S. Army Contracting Command – Orlando, on behalf of the U.S. Army, Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI), Threat Systems Management Office (TSMO). The multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract has an estimated ceiling of $95 million. QinetiQ has won an Aerial Target Systems (ATS-3) contract from the US Army. The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract has an estimated ceiling of $95 million and is the first time QinetiQ is entering the US market as a prime contractor of highly sophisticated aerial target systems. Under this contract, the QinetiQ US team will compete for task orders and provide a comprehensive range of aerial target systems, including the advanced MQM-185B (Banshee Jet 80+), to replicate aerial threats for U.S. forces’ training and testing.
“This contract award underscores the Army’s trust in QinetiQ’s ability to deliver cutting-edge aerial target systems that are critical for preparing our warfighters for evolving threats. Our long-standing relationship with the Army and our deep understanding of TSMO’s mission position us uniquely to support this vital program,” said Christopher Forrest, QinetiQ executive vice president and general manager, Advanced Robotics & Mission Solutions. ”
Shawn N. Purvis, president and CEO of QinetiQ US, added, “The MQM-185B and our suite of aerial targets exemplify our commitment to providing proven and adaptable solutions. Our end-to-end expertise in target systems, from development to comprehensive training and logistics support, ensures that we can meet the complex needs of our defense customers. This contract reinforces QinetiQ’s position as a leader in advanced target systems, supporting the readiness and technological advancement of our armed forces.”
The scope of work includes research and development of new target technologies, systems engineering for enhanced performance, integration of advanced payloads for threat replication, and software development to improve autonomous capabilities. QinetiQ US will also deliver operational support, including flight operations and technical services to ensure maximum system effectiveness and reliability during training and test events. With over 30 years of experience in the aerial target market, QinetiQ has developed an agile approach to research, development, and testing of uncrewed platforms. The company’s target systems are known for their proven reliability, with a 97% mission success rate over the past five years. Their adaptability allows for rapid integration of new payloads and customization to meet specific customer needs. Work under this contract will be performed at various ranges and locations around the world, supporting the global nature of U.S. military operations and training exercises.
QinetiQ is a multinational defence technology company headquartered in Farnborough, Hampshire. It operates primarily in the defence, security and critical national infrastructure markets and run testing and evaluation capabilities for air, land, sea and target systems. QinetiQ was created in April 2001; prior to this its assets had been part of Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), a now-defunct British government organisation. While a large portion of DERA’s assets, sites, and employees were transferred to QinetiQ, other elements were incorporated into Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), which remains in government ownership. Some former DERA locations have thus become key sites for QinetiQ. QinetiQ has completed numerous acquisitions of defence- and technology-related companies, primarily those that are based in the United States, and is a trusted supplier to the US government. QinetiQ USA operates under a Special Security Arrangement[3] which allows it to work independently and separately on some of the most sensitive United States defense programs despite its foreign ownership.
