17 February 2026
AeroVironment, Inc., a global defense technology leader, today announced that Stephen Voline has joined the company as Senior Director of Washington Operations.
Voline will support AV’s engagement with Congress, the Department of War, and key national security stakeholders, advancing the company’s strategic priorities across defense policy, acquisition, and operational readiness.
“Navigating today’s defense environment requires leaders who understand how policy, operations, and technology come together,” said Blake Souter, Vice President, Washington Operations at AV. “Stephen’s depth of experience at that intersection will strengthen our Washington Operations team as we continue to advance critical national security missions and long-term defense priorities.”
Voline brings more than three decades of experience across military operations, defense policy, and industry advocacy, including senior government relations leadership at Hanwha Defense USA, service on Capitol Hill as National Security Advisor to Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and 26 years in the U.S. Army.
“I’m honored to join AV at a time when innovation, speed, and strategic clarity matter more than ever,” said Voline. “AV is delivering capabilities that directly support warfighters and national security stakeholders, and I look forward to helping strengthen the company’s engagement across Washington in support of those missions.”
As National Security Advisor to Ernst, Voline advised on defense and foreign policy and helped shape multiple National Defense Authorization Acts, with a focus on soldier readiness, artificial intelligence, intelligence operations, and special operations forces.
As Director of Government Relations at Hanwha Defense USA, Voline led advocacy across Congress and the Administration in support of land systems, munitions, and autonomous platform programs. He advised senior leaders on legislative strategy, helped secure an Enhanced Use Lease agreement with the U.S. Army enabling a $1.3 billion propellant production facility, and facilitated the first significant contract award in Hanwha’s history.
Voline's distinguished career in the service includes senior intelligence and targeting roles within the Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment, battalion-level operations and intelligence leadership within the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, and command of a Military Intelligence company supporting global and interagency operations. He deployed multiple times in support of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and served with elite and interagency organizations. He spent nearly 14 years as an enlisted infantryman, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in public relations from the University of West Florida and a master's degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University.
