Aeryon Labs Inc., a developer of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) has been bought by FLIR Systems Inc. for $265 million CAD. FLIR Systems specializes in developing sensor systems with thermal imaging for security and surveillance.
“The acquisition of Aeryon Labs reinforces our long-term strategy to move beyond providing sensors to the development of complete solutions that save lives and livelihoods,” said Jim Cannon, president and CEO of FLIR Systems.
Cannon stated that this acquisition along with its acquisition of Prox Dynamics in 2016, “greatly increases our unmanned systems solutions capabilities, expanding beyond nano-UAS into Group 1 UAS solutions for military.”
“This acquisition, coupled with our acquisition of Prox Dynamics in 2016, greatly increases our unmanned systems solutions capabilities.”
Aeryon’s drones include sensors, which use FLIR thermal technology, to support high-resolution intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability. The devices are designed for the global military and to assist with public safety. Aeryon’s also develops UAS hardware, ground control stations, and software for flight operations.
The company is based in Waterloo with offices in Denver and Salt Lake City. In 2016, they opened their second office in Waterloo. Aeryon’s drones are used by 20 different militaries in over 30 countries worldwide, including the United States Department of Defense.
“As drone technology and its markets evolve, customers are seeking UAS as just one component of a broader solution,” Dave Kroetsch, co-founder and CTO of Aeryon Labs, said. “While Aeryon has been evolving in that direction for the past few years, being part of FLIR Systems brings a path to include our hardware and software technologies in much bigger solutions than would have ever been possible on our own.”
Kroetsch spoke on the advantage of building a drone business in Canada In 2017.
