QinetiQ selected as awardee on US Army’s PD Aerostats MATOC

QinetiQ US has been selected as an awardee on the US Army's $4 billion Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) under the US Army Product Director (PD) Aerostats programme.



Image courtesy QinetiQ

This 10-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract supports system integration, hardware procurement, engineering, logistics, operations and programme management for the PD Aerostats programme office.

The PD Aerostats MATOC encompasses support for Persistent Surveillance System – Tethered (PSS-T) platforms, future Elevated Sensing requirements and the Persistent Surveillance Dissemination System of Systems (PSDS2) programme. As the only Prime contractor operating multisite strategic and tactical class aerostat sites, supporting US border security and defence missions, QinetiQ US is positioned to deliver and sustain these critical capabilities for systems both within the United States and at overseas locations, leveraging the company’s experience and expertise to deliver persistent surveillance solutions to the US and its international allies.

QinetiQ US brings comprehensive capabilities in prime contract management, sensors integration and interoperability, including aerostat platforms, hyperspectral imaging systems and multimodal detection technologies that provide enhanced situational awareness. The company established itself as a trusted partner in advancing sensor technology for the US Army, developing intelligent processing algorithms and imaging technologies that support key modernisation initiatives. Through this integrated approach, QinetiQ delivers cohesive systems that transform sensor data into actionable intelligence across domains.

"Our integrated sensor and aerostat solutions deliver effective and affordable multidomain awareness solutions to meet the evolving threat in today’s defence and security environment," said Jonathan Riksen, executive vice president and general manager of QinetiQ US’ National & Global Security Solutions. "By combining advanced sensor technologies with our persistent surveillance platforms, we provide decision makers with actionable intelligence that creates a decisive information advantage in evolving threat environments."

QinetiQ US’s persistent surveillance solutions operate aerostats and payloads at altitudes up to 15,000 feet with 30-day continuous deployment capabilities, delivering best-in-class efficiency and the lowest cost per flight hour to meet and exceed mission requirements. The company’s turnkey approach integrates the Secure Persistent & Aware Data Ecosystem (SPADE) with comprehensive mission planning, sustainment and lifecycle management services to optimise operational effectiveness throughout the entire mission lifecycle.

Related

RAF Chinooks deploy aboard Queen Elizabeth for maritime training drill
An RAF-operated Chinook HC6A (serial ZH896) lifts off from the flight deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) during Exercise Hathi Pol on 20 October 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Air Force
RAF Chinooks deploy aboard Queen Elizabeth for maritime training drill
RAF Chinooks have embarked aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth, testing the UK’s heavy-lift tactical transport capabilities in a maritime environment during Exercise Hathi Pol.
Aerospace Defence

3 Nov 2026

QinetiQ to support Government’s tech talent drive
TechFirst
QinetiQ to support Government’s tech talent drive
By providing work experience opportunities and technology programmes, including cyber security, QinetiQ is supporting the UK Government TechFirst initiative, aimed at delivering practical skills and career support for young people.
MOD seeks industry input on next-generation medical evacuation system
Imagery of the Atlas A400M, seen here operated by crews of LXX & 30 Squadron overseen by an XXIV Squadron instructor, carrying on beach landings over on Pembrey Sands. This was facilitated by Tactical Air Traffic Controllers and Tactical Fire who ensure the beach and activity is completed as intended. Along with conducting touch and go's alongside full stop landings, the aicraft also despatched a pair of RWMIK's driven by 16 Air Assault Brigade as part of an Engine Running Operation or ERO.
MOD seeks industry input on next-generation medical evacuation system
The MOD is looking to modernise the specialist systems used to transport patients with dangerous infectious diseases back to the UK.
Aerospace Defence

2 Nov 2026

RAF Chinooks deploy aboard Queen Elizabeth for maritime training drill
An RAF-operated Chinook HC6A (serial ZH896) lifts off from the flight deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) during Exercise Hathi Pol on 20 October 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Air Force
RAF Chinooks deploy aboard Queen Elizabeth for maritime training drill
RAF Chinooks have embarked aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth, testing the UK’s heavy-lift tactical transport capabilities in a maritime environment during Exercise Hathi Pol.
Aerospace Defence

3 Nov 2026

NCSC says AI-powered attack on UK critical infrastructure likely by 2028
Futuristic Hand Reaching for AI Technology Interface Representing Artificial Intelligence and Data Management in a Digital World. Glyphic
NCSC says AI-powered attack on UK critical infrastructure likely by 2028
The NCSC warns the UK could face AI-powered cyber attacks on critical national infrastructure by 2028, prompting fresh warnings over national security and defence.
Defence Security

3 Nov 2026

Royal Navy tracks Russian warships in UK waters as RAF Protector makes operational debut
The Russian Vishnya-class intelligence-gathering vessel, Viktor Leonov (CCB-175), is shadowed by a Royal Navy-operated Merlin HM2 helicopter off the Outer Hebrides on 29 September 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
Royal Navy tracks Russian warships in UK waters as RAF Protector makes operational debut
Royal Navy warships and aircraft recently monitored Russian naval movements around Britain, with support from RAF Protector RG1 drones, which marked the type’s operational debut in UK airspace.
Defence Security

3 Nov 2026

QinetiQ to support Government’s tech talent drive
TechFirst
QinetiQ to support Government’s tech talent drive
By providing work experience opportunities and technology programmes, including cyber security, QinetiQ is supporting the UK Government TechFirst initiative, aimed at delivering practical skills and career support for young people.
Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
headshot for Benny Czarny Opswat CEO
Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
Compromised suppliers, unchecked files and insecure updates can threaten satellites before they reach orbit. OPSWAT founder and CEO Benny Czarny explains why prevention must start on the ground
Insights Security Space

31 Oct 2026

Plextek receives King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation
King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation from His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester.
Plextek receives King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation
HRH The Duke of Gloucester has presented Plextek with the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its PLX-T60 sensing platform.
NCSC says AI-powered attack on UK critical infrastructure likely by 2028
Futuristic Hand Reaching for AI Technology Interface Representing Artificial Intelligence and Data Management in a Digital World. Glyphic
NCSC says AI-powered attack on UK critical infrastructure likely by 2028
The NCSC warns the UK could face AI-powered cyber attacks on critical national infrastructure by 2028, prompting fresh warnings over national security and defence.
Defence Security

3 Nov 2026

Royal Navy tracks Russian warships in UK waters as RAF Protector makes operational debut
The Russian Vishnya-class intelligence-gathering vessel, Viktor Leonov (CCB-175), is shadowed by a Royal Navy-operated Merlin HM2 helicopter off the Outer Hebrides on 29 September 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
Royal Navy tracks Russian warships in UK waters as RAF Protector makes operational debut
Royal Navy warships and aircraft recently monitored Russian naval movements around Britain, with support from RAF Protector RG1 drones, which marked the type’s operational debut in UK airspace.
Defence Security

3 Nov 2026

QinetiQ to support Government’s tech talent drive
TechFirst
QinetiQ to support Government’s tech talent drive
By providing work experience opportunities and technology programmes, including cyber security, QinetiQ is supporting the UK Government TechFirst initiative, aimed at delivering practical skills and career support for young people.