AeroVironment (AV) has secured a significant contract to supply its advanced Switchblade loitering munition systems to the US Army, highlighting the growing reliance on innovative drone technology in modern warfare. The contract, valued at $288 million, is part of a broader five-year initiative that was awarded to the company last year, which includes the delivery of both the Switchblade 300 and Switchblade 600 variants of the kamikaze drone.
This long-term contract has the potential to reach a total value of $990 million if all options outlined in the agreement are exercised. The first order under this contract was fulfilled in August 2024, and just recently, a second request was announced, underscoring the urgency and importance of these systems for the US military.
Brett Hush, the General Manager and Senior Vice President of AeroVironment’s Loitering Munition Systems, expressed pride in the company’s role in providing these critical assets to the US Army. “AV is honored to continue fulfilling this important contract providing the US Army with exceptional and reliable loitering munition solutions,” Hush stated. He emphasized the firm’s commitment to delivering high-quality military technology through robust supply chain and manufacturing capabilities.
The Switchblade system stands out as a lightweight and versatile precision-guided munition, capable of being launched from various platforms including ground, aerial, and maritime assets. The Switchblade 300 model is notably compact, weighing in at just 3.6 pounds (1.6 kilograms), capable of reaching speeds of 100 miles per hour (161 kilometers per hour) with an operational endurance exceeding 20 minutes. In contrast, the larger Switchblade 600 model, which weighs 33 pounds (14.9 kilograms), can fly at speeds up to 115 miles per hour (185 kilometers per hour) for over 40 minutes.
Both variants come equipped with advanced features, including a high-resolution electro-optical/infrared camera suite, tablet-based software for user-friendly training and operations in the field, and built-in anti-jamming capabilities, ensuring reliable performance in a variety of combat scenarios.
As military operations become increasingly reliant on unmanned technologies, the demand for systems such as the Switchblade is expected to rise, reaffirming AeroVironment’s strategic position in the defense sector.
