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
-
![Indian Air Force airlifter contract bidders push credentials at Aero India]()
Indian Air Force airlifter contract bidders push credentials at Aero India
The three main bidders aiming to replace India’s ageing An-32 and Il-76 transporter fleet were at Aero India to put their case, despite recent geopolitical pressures on the competition.
-
![IDEX 2025: Teal Drones set to sign for US Army production]()
IDEX 2025: Teal Drones set to sign for US Army production
Red Cat subsidiary Teal Drones was awarded US Army contract for the Short Range Reconnaissance Tranche 2 (SRRT2) programme last year but final negotiations towards a production contract signature are underway.
-
![IDEX 2025: L3Harris Viper Shield “on timeline” as first upgrade customer launch targeted for mid-2025]()
IDEX 2025: L3Harris Viper Shield “on timeline” as first upgrade customer launch targeted for mid-2025
L3Harris’ Viper Shield, an all-digital, fully integrated electronic warfare system for the F-16, is aiming for deliveries by late-2025, as the company explores a variety of upgrade options to further futureproof the system.
