The US Army has put forth a significant budget request of $70 million aimed at acquiring essential components for loitering munitions, a crucial element of its Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program. This initiative is designed to enhance the Army’s operational capabilities by providing precise, long-range fire capabilities with minimal collateral damage, thereby safeguarding Infantry Brigade Combat Teams engaged in large-scale operations across complex terrains.
The fiscal request, submitted for the year 2026, builds on prior investments made in 2025, as reported by DefenseScoop. If approved, the funding allocation will focus on procuring approximately 294 complete munitions rounds and 98 associated fire control units, in addition to other necessary components. A portion of the budget will also finance the production of 19 additional unmanned aerial system units.
Last year’s budget request for 2025 was notably higher, amounting to $120.6 million, which called for 434 rounds, 54 fire control units, and a fleet of 144 kamikaze drones. This escalation in budget signifies a targeted commitment to advancing the Army’s technological capabilities.
The initial phase of the LASSO program utilizes the Switchblade 600 loitering munition, developed by Virginia-based company AeroVironment. The Switchblade 600 measures 6 feet in length and weighs 50 pounds, integrating a Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System to facilitate autonomous operations for both hovering and striking designated targets. It is specifically engineered to engage armored vehicles, radars, command centers, and other critical targets that require timely neutralization.
Notably, the Switchblade 600 boasts an impressive flight duration of up to 40 minutes, a service ceiling reaching 15,000 feet, a range of 25 miles, and a top speed of 100 miles per hour. These specifications make it a formidable asset on the battlefield.
The current budget proposal aligns with the Department of Defense’s initiative to cultivate a “leaner, more lethal force,” and corresponds to the Army Transformation Initiative, which aims to develop next-generation solutions that enhance soldier performance and protection in modern combat scenarios. A senior military official underscored the strategic nature of this transformation during a recent briefing at the Pentagon, describing it as a purposeful investment aimed at ensuring future operational dominance as part of a unified military force.
As the Army continues to evolve, the LASSO program and its associated technologies represent a critical shift toward modernized warfare capabilities, focusing on shedding outdated systems while investing in innovative solutions that meet the demands of the contemporary battlefield.
