FLIR Acquires sUAS Manufacturer Altavian

FLIR Systems Inc. has acquired Altavian Inc., a manufacturer of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) for applications in defense and public safety. Altavian, headquartered in Gainesville, Fla., is one of five drone manufacturers approved by the U.S. Department of Defense under the Blue sUAS program to sell to the U.S. military and federal agencies.

“Altavian’s proven engineering expertise and assets will allow us to offer customers the most comprehensive solution portfolio of any American sUAS provider,” said Roger Wells, general manager of the Unmanned Systems and Integrated Solutions business of FLIR Systems’ Defense Technologies Segment, under which Altavian will be integrated. Following the acquisition, FLIR will pursue franchise opportunities for defense, public safety, and industrial markets worldwide, Wells said.

Altavian’s current product offerings additionally serve the aeronautics, avionics, and software industries. FLIR Systems, Inc. is being acquired by Teledyne Technologies Inc.