Switchblade® 600 Block 2
03/31/2026
Solution: Switchblade® 600 Block 2
News
AV Receives $186 Million U.S. Army Delivery Order for Next-Generation Switchblade Systems
02/26/2026
ARLINGTON, Va. — February 26, 2026 — AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in autonomous systems and precision strike solutions, today announced receipt of a $186 million delivery order from the U.S. Army for Switchblade® 600 Block 2 and Switchblade® 300 Block 20 explosively formed penetrator (EFP) loitering munition systems.
The order was issued under the Army’s existing five-year, $990 million Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS), which was awarded in August 2024. This delivery order marks the U.S. Army’s first procurement of AV’s next-generation Switchblade product line, underlining a significant step forward in fielding advanced, precision loitering munitions across infantry and maneuver formations. It is the Army’s first Switchblade order containing EFP payload, delivering enhanced lethality against armored threats.
“This delivery order reflects the Army’s confidence in the next evolution of the Switchblade family and its relevance to modern, contested battlefields,” said Brian Young, Senior Vice President of Loitering Munitions at AV. “Switchblade 600 Block 2 and Switchblade 300 Block 20 build on years of combat experience while delivering meaningful upgrades in autonomy, resilience, and lethality tailored to today’s operational demands.”
Switchblade 600 Block 2 is AV’s most advanced long-range loitering munition to date, designed for multi-domain operations and ruggedized for maritime and highly contested environments. Developed in collaboration with United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM), the system features upgraded avionics and advanced Automatic Target Recognition (ATR), enabling faster detection, identification, and engagement of threats. Integrated resilient communications, including Silvus MANET radios, support distributed operations and extended handoff ranges, while improved navigation and mission resilience allow effective employment in GPS-challenged environments. These upgrades provide commanders with increased reach, flexibility, and confidence against armored and high-value targets.
Switchblade 300 Block 20 introduces a new modular payload capability to the combat-proven, backpackable loitering munition. For the first time, the Army has procured the system with an Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) payload, delivering enhanced lethality against armored threats while retaining the speed, portability, and ease of use that have made Switchblade 300 a trusted solution at the small-unit level. The Block 20 configuration also includes sensor improvements, enhanced user interfaces, and extended range options, allowing rapid, precision effects beyond line of sight.
Together, the Switchblade 600 Block 2 and Switchblade 300 Block 20 provide the Army with a scalable family of precision loitering munitions—from lightweight, single-operator systems to long-endurance, multi-domain capabilities—designed to operate seamlessly across echelons and mission sets.
“This delivery order further advances the Army’s Lethal Unmanned Systems Directed Requirement and reinforces AV’s role as the leading provider of combat-proven loitering munition systems,” said Young. “As we continue to invest in expanding Switchblade manufacturing capacity and accelerating delivery timelines, we are continuing to meet the growing demand for these products from U.S. and allied forces.”
Capabilities
News
AeroVironment and General Dynamics Land Systems Successfully Demonstrate PERCH Loitering Munitions Launcher
12/10/2025
General Dynamics Land Systems today announced a successful demonstration of the Precision Effects & Reconnaissance, Canister-Housed (PERCH) system, codeveloped with strategic partner AeroVironment (AV), at the U.S. Army’s Machine Assisted Rugged Sapper (MARS) event at Fort Hood, Texas.
PERCH is a modular kit that integrates AV’s Switchblade 300 and Switchblade 600 loitering munitions into M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 main battle tanks and Stryker infantry carrier vehicles for beyond-line-of-sight surveillance and lethality. PERCH does not require welding nor cutting for mounting; instead, it replaces the Abrams’ loader sponson box and is bolted into place using existing attachment points. Future iterations will operate on existing vehicle computer systems.
At the MARS demo on Oct. 26-30, users completed a complex obstacle breach with the aid of beyond-line-of-sight reconnaissance and over-the-horizon targeting of high-value targets provided by a Switchblade 300 and a Switchblade 600 launched from an Abrams tank via PERCH.
“PERCH allows units to deploy Switchblade loitering munitions far forward on the battlefield while remaining covered and concealed themselves,” said Jim Pasquarette, vice president, U.S. strategy and business development, General Dynamics Land Systems. “We have seen a lot of Soldier interest in this readymade, effective concept, and we look forward to future demonstrations. With our partners at AV, we’re generating the power to win on the modern battlefield.”
“Integrating Switchblade 300 and 600 into General Dynamics Land Systems platforms through the PERCH modular kit delivers immediate operational advantages – extending reach and enabling rapid, precise effects from protected positions,” said Brian Young, senior vice president, loitering munitions systems at AV. “This demonstration showcased the expanded beyond-line-of-sight precision engagement capabilities available to our military by embedding mature loitering munition systems on combat vehicles. We value our partnership with GDLS and our shared commitment to delivering reliable, field-ready solutions to warfighters.” Learn more.
Capabilities
Press Release
AV Unveils Next Generation of Switchblade® Loitering Munitions
10/13/2025
Switchblade 600 Block 2, Switchblade 400, and Switchblade 300 Block 20 with EFP Deliver Multi-Domain, Scalable Lethality and Mission Flexibility
ARLINGTON, Va. — October 13, 2025 — AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), the leading global provider of loitering munition systems, today announced the expansion of its combat-proven Switchblade® family of precision loitering munitions with three new systems: the Switchblade 600 Block 2, the Switchblade 400, and the Switchblade 300 Block 20 equipped with a modular explosively formed penetrator (EFP) payload. Together, these systems expand the Switchblade product line across echelons and mission sets–from backpackable, close-in lethal precision effects to long-endurance, multi-domain anti-armor solutions, ensuring warfighters maintain tactical overmatch in the most contested environments.
“Warfighters require scalable, reliable, and interoperable effects that can be tailored to the threat and the environment,” said Trace Stevenson, President of Autonomous Systems at AV. “These three new Switchblade variants deliver that flexibility and scalability. Each design builds on proven fielded capability while adding important new capabilities that reduce risk and expand mission sets.”
Switchblade® 600 Block 2 is a next-generation, long-endurance, multi-domain loitering munition with advanced avionics, pinpoint precision, and a secondary payload bay for multi-mission flexibility. Enhanced AI/ML-enabled onboard processing with advanced Automatic Target Recognition (ATR), encrypted M-Code GPS, and integrated Silvus MANET radios provides unmatched situational awareness and resilient Command and Control (C2) in contested environments. Switchblade 600 Block 2 offers 20% longer endurance and 100+km handoff and relay range and is IP67-rated for maritime applications.
The all-new Switchblade® 400 is a medium-range, man-portable anti-armor loitering munition with rocket-assisted take-off (RATO). At under 40 pounds for the all-up round (AUR), the effector provides a single soldier with lethal standoff capability in under five minutes to defeat tanks and heavily armored targets with precision accuracy. Sized to fit in common launch tubes (CLT), the unit’s design streamlines training and enables rapid, plug-and-play integration. Its ATR and advanced edge computing provide autonomous detection, classification, and elimination of threats–day or night.
The combat-proven Switchblade® 300 Block 20 now features a modular payload bay, supporting an Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) warhead for increased lethality against armored threats. With the AUR weighing just 7.2 lbs, the backpackable precision loitering munition enables a single operator to deliver beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) lethal effects in less than two minutes with improved endurance. The updated platform features an enhanced sensor and panning camera suite, a touchscreen tap-to-target interface with multiple commit angles, user-selectable point of detonation with continuous Positive Identification (PID), and extended range with an optional 30 km antenna.
Developed with Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) standards, the new Switchblade systems allow seamless integration with command and control (C2) platforms, including ATAK, Nett Warrior, and AV_Halo™ Command Tactical software with Kinesis universal tactical control architecture for fast, intuitive operation. Driven by AV_Halo Vision (previously AV’s SPOTR-Edge™ software) – part of AV’S unified suite of mission-ready software tools – these platforms provide onboard computer vision for detection, classification, localization, and tracking of operationally relevant objects, including people, vehicles, and maritime vessels–day or night, even in GPS-denied or comms-degraded environments. With a common design architecture, the systems share the same tablet-based Fire Control user interface (UI), patented wave-off and recommit features, encrypted datalinks, and mission planning–reducing logistical burdens and operator training time.
“AV has delivered thousands of Switchblade systems over the last 13 years, with hundreds of combat engagements shaping our design evolution,” said Jimmy Jenkins, Executive Vice President of Precision Strike and Defense Systems at AV. “The new Switchblade systems are warfighter-driven solutions—faster, smarter, and optimized for multi-domain operations. Our continuous innovation ensures US and allied forces remain equipped with rapid, adaptable, and overwhelming precision strike effects to maintain a tactical advantage on the modern battlefield.”
From US soldiers to frontline Ukrainian warfighters, Switchblade is the trusted, battle-proven loitering munition system of choice–offering cost-effective lethality in contested, congested battlespaces. The all-new Switchblade 400, Switchblade 600 Block 2, and Switchblade 300 Block 20 with EFP build on this legacy of innovation and reliability. AV is investing in the rapid expansion of its Switchblade manufacturing capacity–accelerating production of its Switchblade 600 over the last year from 40 to 240 systems per month. With growing demand from US and allied forces, continued investments in its Simi Valley, California, manufacturing facility, and the opening of its new next-generation manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, AV anticipates production growth to more than 1,200 per month in the near future.
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About AV
AV (NASDAQ: AVAV) is a defense technology leader delivering integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The Company develops and deploys autonomous systems, loitering munitions, counter-UAS technologies, space-based platforms, directed energy systems, and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities—built to meet the mission needs of today’s warfighter and tomorrow’s conflicts. At the core of these technologies lies AV_Halo, a modular, mission-ready suite of AI-powered software tools that empowers warfighters and enables full-battlefield dominance: detect, decide, deliver. With a national manufacturing footprint and a deep innovation pipeline, AV delivers proven systems and future-defining capabilities at speed, scale, and operational relevance. For more information, visit www.avinc.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain new ones; regulatory changes; competitor activities; market growth; product development challenges; and general economic conditions. For a more detailed discussion of these risks, please refer to AeroVironment’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events.
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About AeroVironment, Inc.
AeroVironment (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) is a defense technology leader delivering integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The Company develops and deploys autonomous systems, loitering munitions, counter-UAS technologies, space-based platforms, directed energy systems, and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities—built to meet the mission needs of today’s warfighter and tomorrow’s conflicts. At the core of these technologies lies AV_Halo, a modular, mission-ready suite of AI-powered software tools that empowers warfighters and enables full-battlefield dominance: detect, decide, deliver. With a national manufacturing footprint and a deep innovation pipeline, AV delivers proven systems and future-defining capabilities at speed, scale, and operational relevance. For more information, visit www.avinc.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are made on the basis of current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors outside of our control, that may cause our business, strategy or actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain additional contracts; changes in the regulatory environment; the activities of competitors; failure of the markets in which we operate to grow; failure to expand into new markets; failure to develop new products or integrate new technology with current products; and general economic and business conditions in the United States and elsewhere in the world. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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AeroVironment
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pr@avinc.com
Capabilities
Press Release
AV Secures $288 Million Delivery Order on $990 Million Contract with U.S. Army
02/03/2025
ARLINGTON, Va., February 03, 2025 – AeroVironment (AV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced it has been awarded its third delivery order for Switchblade® loitering munition systems in the amount of $288 million as part of U.S. Army’s Directed Requirement (DR) for Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS). This is the third award in the last 12 months, totaling $471.3 millions. This award is the third such delivery order awarded to AV as part of the multi-year contract with a ceiling value of $990M, which was secured in August 2024.
“AV is honored to continue fulfilling this important contract providing the U.S. Army with exceptional and reliable loitering munition solutions,” said Brett Hush, AV’s senior vice president and general manager of Loitering Munition Systems. “We continue to deliver for the U.S. Army with our superior supply chain and manufacturing capacity.”
Switchblade represents the next generation of extended-range loitering munition systems, providing operators in the field with a multi-mission loitering munition system capable of multi-domain operations. The combat-proven system also features high-precision optics and extended loitering endurance.
Capabilities
Press Release
U.S. GAO Denies Protest of $990 Million Switchblade Systems Contract
12/17/2024
Arlington, Va., December 17, 2024 – The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has denied the protest filed on September 6, 2024, challenging the U.S. Army’s sole-source award of a $990 million contract for AV’s Switchblade® systems.
This decision reaffirms confidence in the integrity of the Army’s procurement process and its thorough evaluation of operational requirements. AV is proud to continue delivering these combat-proven, mission-critical Switchblade systems to meet the warfighter’s operational needs.
“AV remains steadfast in our commitment to fulfilling this important contract and upholding our mission to provide innovative, relevant, and effective capabilities to those who serve and defend freedom,” said Wahid Nawabi, AV’s chairman, president, and chief executive officer.
Capabilities
Press Release
AV Secures $743 Million Additional Contract Ceiling for Switchblade Loitering Munition Systems
10/14/2024
Arlington, Va., October 14, 2024 – AeroVironment (AV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, announced today that the U.S. Army has awarded a $54.9 million delivery order for the production of Switchblade® loitering munition systems. The recently announced award includes an additional contract ceiling of $743 million with $54.9 million in new funding. This contract is issued as part of a broader, previously executed, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract, and ensures continued support for both the U.S. Army and several allied partners, including Lithuania, Romania, and Sweden.
Work on this contract will be performed in Simi Valley, California, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2026. The award, which leverages fiscal 2023 and 2024 Army funds along with Foreign Military Sales, highlights AV’s ongoing commitment to delivering proven, battlefield-ready technology that meets the evolving needs of modern armed forces.
“This contract allows us to continue delivering Switchblade systems to the U.S. Army and allied partners at speed with upgraded capabilities based on real-time battlefield feedback,” said Brett Hush, AV’s senior vice president and general manager of Loitering Munition Systems. “We are honored to provide the U.S. Army and our international partners with battle-proven technology.” AV remains focused on providing warfighters with superior, reliable, affordable systems at scale to meet the evolving requirements of its global defense customers.
Capabilities
News
AV Secures $54.8 Million Contract Modification for Switchblade Loitering Munition Systems
10/09/2024
AeroVironment (AV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, announced today that the U.S. Army has awarded a $54.8 million contract modification for the production of Switchblade® loitering munition systems. This modification, issued as part of a broader indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract, ensures continued support for both the U.S. Army and several allied partners, including Lithuania, Romania, and Sweden.
Work on this contract will be performed in Simi Valley, California, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2026. The award, which leverages fiscal 2023 and 2024 Army funds along with Foreign Military Sales, highlights AV’s ongoing commitment to delivering proven, battlefield-ready technology that meets the evolving needs of modern armed forces.
“This contract modification allows us to continue delivering Switchblade systems to the U.S. Army and allied partners at speed with upgraded capabilities based on real-time battlefield feedback,” said Brett Hush, AV’s senior vice president and general manager of Loitering Munition Systems. “We are honored to provide the U.S. Army and our international partners with battle-proven technology.”
AV remains focused on providing warfighters with superior, reliable, affordable systems at scale to meet the evolving requirements of its global defense customers.
Capabilities
Press Release
AV Secures $990M Contract to Supply U.S. Army with Switchblade Loitering Munitions
08/28/2024
ARLINGTON, Va., August 28, 2024 – AeroVironment (AV) has been awarded a contract for the U.S. Army’s Directed Requirement (DR) for Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS). The 5-year contract from Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground is Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with a contract ceiling value of $990M. Deliveries of the Switchblade® systems are expected to begin in months.
The LUS Directed Requirement is the Army’s first effort to equip soldiers in infantry battalions with lethal, man-portable loitering munition systems. The combat-proven Switchblade systems will enhance soldiers’ capabilities with precision flight control, greater lethality against fortified targets such as armored vehicles and tanks, and the ability to track and engage moving non-line-of-sight targets. AV was awarded a contract for the LUS Directed Requirement in December 2023 and is currently delivering systems under that contract.
“AV is proud to have been selected to provide Switchblade for this critical and urgent Army requirement,” said Brett Hush, AV’s senior vice president and general manager of Loitering Munition Systems. “This latest contract underscores the unmatched maturity and effectiveness of our system, as well as AV’s strategic positioning to rapidly produce and deliver these cutting-edge solutions to operators in the field.”
Switchblade represents the next generation of extended-range loitering munition systems, providing operators in the field with a multi-mission loitering munition system capable of multi-domain operations. The combat-proven system also features high-precision optics and extended loitering endurance.
“Starting with the LUS Directed Requirement, we are well positioned to meet the Army’s emerging needs, leveraging our robust production capability and supply chain capacity to ensure rapid fielding and enhanced combat overmatch for our soldiers,” continued Hush.
This contract further solidifies AV’s role as a leading provider of innovative unmanned solutions. The company remains committed to supporting the U.S. Army’s mission by delivering advanced technology that ensures operational superiority and enhances the safety and effectiveness of our military personnel.
Capabilities
Press Release
Taiwan to Receive AV’s Switchblade 300 Loitering Munition Systems
07/02/2024
ARLINGTON, Va., July 2, 2024 – The U.S. Department of State announced approval of a possible foreign military sale of AeroVironment (AV) Switchblade® 300 loitering munition systems to Taiwan for an estimated $60.2 million. The proposed sale will bolster Taiwan’s defensive capabilities and supports U.S. national security and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
AV’s combat-proven Switchblade 300 systems have been deployed by the U.S. Army for more than a decade and are currently providing real-time ISR and precision strike support on battlefields in Ukraine. Ideal for use against beyond-line-of-sight targets, Switchblade systems were previously approved by the U.S. Government for use by Ukraine, France, the United Kingdom and additional allies after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The latest iteration of the system – Switchblade 300 Block 20 – features alternative warheads, including an armor penetrating capability, increased target attack angle, and significantly greater battery life, flight endurance, and radio link range.
“Switchblade 300 continues to be a critical weapon employed by the U.S. and its allies to defend homelands and operational forces against adversaries,” said Brett Hush, AV’s senior vice president and general manager for Loitering Munition Systems. “We have proven in steady combat against modern enemies that Switchblade 300 provides forces a competitive edge on the battlefield, introducing precise, long-range fires well beyond their current capabilities.”
The backpackable, lightweight Switchblade 300 offers operators the flexibility to rapidly maneuver on the ground, in and out of vehicles, or within fixed defensive positions prior to launch. Real-time video, GPS coordinates, selectable warheads, and wave-off capabilities provide the operator a proven, reliable asset that can be employed in various domains.
“AV looks forward to supporting the U.S. and Taiwan in rapidly fielding these highly effective weapon systems to deter aggression, defend the airspace and waters around Taiwan, and assist in maintaining political stability,” continued Hush.
Capabilities
News
Switchblade’s Success in Ukraine
04/12/2024
As the war in Ukraine has highlighted, not all drones are created equal. Not all drone companies are created equal either. AeroVironment (AV) has a proud 50+ year track record of providing combat-effective unmanned systems to U.S. and allied forces around the world. As such, AV should not have been included in the Wall Street Journal article entitled, “How American Drones Failed to Turn the Tide in Ukraine.”
Currently, thousands of AV unmanned systems, including Switchblades, are employed in Ukraine, successfully operating in the most demanding electronic warfare conditions, and effectively completing their missions. We have been gratified by overwhelming user feedback and demand for additional systems. AV solutions, employed by trained warfighters, are having positive effects on this highly complex battlefield.
AV’s most recent awards to provide Switchblades to both the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps highlight AV’s continued partnership and inherent trust to support the country’s warfighters with precision strike systems. My pledge is that AV will continue to advance the state of the art and provide the best tools to U.S. servicemembers and in defense of American allies’ sovereignty.
–Wahid Nawabi
Capabilities
News
Army Looks to Field Loitering Munitions Next Year
12/13/2023
The Army may start fielding loitering munitions by the middle of next year amid a push to adopt innovative technology seen in Ukraine, the head of Army Futures Command said Wednesday.
“I think you’ll see those start delivering in the first half of next year,” Gen. James Rainey said at a media roundtable at the Pentagon. The Army sees the acquisitions process as an “iterative” task, in which the munitions become better and better with each purchase, he added.
The Army in July announced a program for equipping Army brigades with loitering munitions. The effort, dubbed Project LASSO, seeks to put more weapons capable of destroying enemy tanks into the hands of average infantry units.