In this episode of The Techne Connect, Andy Blatchford shares his journey from farm-raised mechanical engineer to Chief Engineer in AeroVironment’s Precision Strike and Defensive Solutions group.

Andy walks through his path from Raytheon Missile Systems into the drone space, including what he learned from flight testing, systems engineering rigour, and leading complex programmes under pressure. He explains why Switchblade 600 became a defining challenge, from surviving the tube-launch transition to delivering reliable guidance, navigation, target tracking, and terminal performance.

The conversation covers where defence innovation is heading, including mass deployment, contested RF links, cybersecurity, MBSE, autonomy shifting from man-in-the-loop to man-off-the-loop, and the growing importance of counter-drone defence against swarms. Andy also shares what skill sets young engineers should build, and why defence offers fast feedback, high impact, and serious technical depth.

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

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