USSOCOM places order for Switchblade 600
AeroVironment is delivering its Switchblade 600 system to USSOCOM for precision engagement of naval and littoral threats. (Photo: AeroVironment)
Loitering munition system to be installed on maritime platforms used by US special forces.
US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is procuring an undisclosed number of Switchblade 600 loitering munition systems, manufacturer AeroVironment revealed on 27 April.
The order was placed on 31 March for delivery and integration of Switchblade 600s into specialised maritime platforms, for precision engagement of naval and littoral threats.
AeroVironment expects to complete deliveries to USSOCOM by January 2023.
Switchblade 600 is an all-in-one, man-portable solution equipped with a high-performance EO/IR gimballed sensor suite, precision flight control and more than 40min of flight time for ISTAR.
The loitering munition consists of a simple box-shaped fuselage with two pairs of folding wings and two tail fins.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, a single system contains a 22.7kg Switchblade 600 munition, a self-contained tube-launcher, a touch-screen ground control system and an antenna.
The entire system can be fitted into two 180cm x 46cm x 43cm transportable cases. The case which houses the launcher and munition weighs 40.8kg, while the other case weighs 54.1kg.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Latin American air forces look beyond fighters to revamp transport aircraft fleets]()
Latin American air forces look beyond fighters to revamp transport aircraft fleets
The Mexican Air Force has become the first Latin American operator of the C-130J Super Hercules, but the service is not alone in acquiring a tactical airlifter in recent months.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Embraer still sees future C-390 opportunities in region following RSAF snub]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Embraer still sees future C-390 opportunities in region following RSAF snub
The company disclosed several defence contracts and upgrades for its defence aircraft at the show, including additional Super Tucano orders and a new C-390 Millennium customer, Uzbekistan.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing eyes $65 billion Asia-Pacific market despite Indonesia F-15 halt]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing eyes $65 billion Asia-Pacific market despite Indonesia F-15 halt
With a growing customer list and portfolio expansion in the region, the company has said that it has a strong ongoing commitment to Asia-Pacific.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: RSAF refreshes air transport capability as part of force modernisation]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: RSAF refreshes air transport capability as part of force modernisation
Singapore is understood to have received three of four ex-Spanish C-130Hs from Blue Aerospace in recent weeks.
