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US Army Strengthens Strike Capabilities with Expanded Switchblade Loitering Munition Contracts.


On February 3, 2025, AeroVironment (AV), a global provider of multi-domain intelligent robotic systems, announced that it has received its third delivery order, valued at $288 million, for Switchblade loitering munition systems. This order is part of the U.S. Army’s Directed Requirement (DR) for Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS). It falls under a five-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract awarded by Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground, with a total ceiling of $990 million, initially announced in August 2024.

 A West-Coast based Naval Special Warfare Operator fires a Switchblade 300 Lethal Miniature Aerial Munition System during ground mobility training exercises (Picture source: US DoD)


This contract is intended to enhance the offensive and defensive capabilities of U.S. forces by providing precision-strike solutions suited to modern conflict requirements. The increasing use of loitering munitions like the Switchblade 300 Block 20 highlights the role of autonomous systems and military robotics in asymmetric warfare and high-intensity environments. These armed drones offer a tactical advantage by enabling the identification, tracking, and engagement of targets with high accuracy while reducing risk to personnel.

AeroVironment emphasizes the significance of this new order, which allows it to continue executing a key contract for the U.S. Army. According to Brett Hush, the company’s senior vice president and general manager of loitering munition systems, this collaboration is aimed at equipping U.S. forces with reliable and effective loitering munitions tailored to current operational needs. The company highlights its robust supply chain and advanced manufacturing capabilities, ensuring a consistent response to military requirements. AeroVironment’s systems are designed to enhance operational autonomy, providing precision and flexible engagement options to optimize unit effectiveness in the field.

The Switchblade loitering munition family offers armed forces a precision-strike capability adapted to contemporary combat scenarios. The Switchblade 300, an ultra-light system weighing 2.5 kg, is designed for easy transport in a backpack and can be launched within seconds from a portable tube or vehicle. It engages light targets within a range of 10 km, with an endurance of 15 minutes, utilizing an electro-optical/infrared guidance system and GPS-based "cursor-on-target" targeting. A key feature of this system is its ability to abort an attack mid-flight, allowing for greater flexibility in infantry and special operations.

The Switchblade 600, a larger and more powerful variant, is designed to engage armored vehicles and fortified targets. With a range of 40 km and an endurance of 40 minutes, it provides an alternative to traditional anti-tank missiles without requiring additional launch platforms. Equipped with a warhead derived from the Javelin missile, it is capable of penetrating heavy armor and can be controlled manually or autonomously through an intuitive touchscreen interface. Its rapid deployment and maneuverability make it a strategic asset for precision engagements and operations against mechanized units.

Deployed by the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Ukrainian forces, the Switchblade 300 and 600 have become integral to modern military operations, combining surveillance and strike capabilities. Their resistance to electronic warfare, continuous sensor improvements, and adaptability to complex environments reinforce their role in both asymmetric and high-intensity engagements. These systems reflect the evolving military doctrine, where speed, precision, and operational flexibility are key factors in mission effectiveness.


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