US Army Procures More Switchblade Kamikaze Drones From AeroVironment
AeroVironment has received a contract to deliver its flagship Switchblade loitering munition systems for the US Army.
The $288-million transaction is part of a five-year project awarded to the company last year that ordered the kamikaze drone in its 300 and 600 variants.
The long-term framework will amount to $990 million if all options are exercised.
AeroVironment already received the first order in August 2024. A second request was then announced last month.
“AV is honored to continue fulfilling this important contract providing the US Army with exceptional and reliable loitering munition solutions,” AeroVironment Loitering Munition Systems General Manager and Senior Vice President Brett Hush remarked.
“We continue to deliver for the US Army with our superior supply chain and manufacturing capacity.”
The Switchblade Loitering Munition
AeroVironment’s Switchblade system is a lightweight, precision-guided munition that can be fired from ground, air, and sea platforms.
The drone in its 300 model configuration weighs 3.6 pounds (1.6 kilograms), has a speed of 100 miles (161 kilometers) per hour, and an endurance of more than 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, the Switchblade 600 has a weight of 33 pounds (14.9 kilograms), a top speed of 115 miles (185 kilometers) per hour, and an endurance of over 40 minutes.
Both are offered with a high-resolution electro-optical/infrared camera suite, tablet-based software for training and field operations, and anti-jamming capabilities.
