QinetiQ wins $14 million contract to supply Vindicator drones to US Navy
The Vindicator is a basic training target, used to simulate the threat of missiles and aircraft for air defence systems. (Photo: CCC)
The five-year contract is reportedly the largest provision of uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) support for use by the US Navy (USN) and will run until late 2029.
QintetiQ has won a contract worth US$14 million from the US Department of Defense (US DoD) to supply its Vindicator drones to the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD). The UAV will help the USN to test its air defence systems.
According to QintetiQ, the UAV is designed to act as a target that simulates aircraft and missile threats. The five-year contract came into effect in December 2024 and will run until late-2029, with an option for a six-month extension.
Under the contract, personnel from Canada will also be deployed and provide services similar to the Banshee operations, but tailored more to meet the USN’s specific requirements, according to QinetiQ.
“QinetiQ is proud to offer the Vindicator to the [NAWCWD], to help enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of the USN,” said Ryan Peterson, customer account manager, QinetiQ.
The deal was facilitated by the Canadian Commercial Corporation as the prime contractor, alongside Public Services and Procurement Canada. It is reportedly the sixth consecutive agreement awarded to QintetiQ’s Canadian facility, located in Medicine Hat and the largest provision of UAV support for use at US ranges in California and Virginia.
According to QinetiQ, with a 100nm operating range, the UAV is capable of replicating threats for helicopters, UAVs, low-slow-flyers and high divers.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![US plans to raise defence production by 300% but multiple uncertainties remain]()
US plans to raise defence production by 300% but multiple uncertainties remain
The strategy, schedule and budget to support Washington’s intention to speed up the manufacturing of defence capabilities remain unclear.
-
![Switzerland faces procurement shake-up with reduced F-35 buy and five-year Patriot delays]()
Switzerland faces procurement shake-up with reduced F-35 buy and five-year Patriot delays
The reduction in the number of planned F-35A aircraft from 36 to 30 by the Swiss government comes due to budget constraints, with no firm plans to fill the gap despite “negative consequences”.
-
![What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?]()
What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?
The USAF plans to phase out its 162 in-operation A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs by the end of FY2026, replacing them with F-35As which will bring a leap in capabilities in terms of lethality, survivability and speed.
