Army Futures Command’s Innovation Org, Army Applications Laboratory, Selects Aeon for Tactical Weapon System Contract

Aeon Industrial, a tactical weapon systems company, was selected by Army Applications Laboratory (AAL) to develop a modular payload and an associated electronic safe and arm device (ESAD) for the Zeus system. The contract, awarded in Q2 of 2025, will enhance the lethality of individual dismounted soldiers by enabling them to quickly and precisely put the desired effects on target with a modular payload. Optimal weapon-to-target pairing occurs by selecting the best payload to achieve mission success in the field. Platoon through Brigade-level maneuver elements will benefit from the improved lethality across a diverse target set, and this will be demonstrated, while on contract, through live tests of the payload system integrated into Zeus.

“AAL’s mission is to find and apply cutting-edge commercial technology to solve priority warfighting challenges and increase the number of innovative U.S. companies doing business with the DOD. We are excited to see what Aeon and the Zeus system can do to make a difference for the warfighter,” said Thomas Mead, AAL Program Manager.

Stakeholders include U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), with both the Aviation & Missiles Center and the Armaments Center . Additionally, Aeon is working with university partners to accelerate novel technological development.

“Warfighters deserve the absolute best, and we’re proud to deliver advanced lethal capabilities that are effective, scalable, and affordable,” said Naweed Tahmas, CEO of Aeon. “We incorporate direct input from operators at every step to ensure true overmatch. Our engineering team—composed of industry leaders—is working tirelessly to deliver at record pace.”