AeroVironment details additional Switchblade orders
The US Army has placed orders for the AeroVironment Switchblade tactical missile system, ancillary equipment and support, worth a total of $36.7 million. The orders comprise contract modifications awarded by the US Army Close Combat Weapons Systems Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO MS).
The orders were issued on 20 August, 4 September and 5 September, under a sole source contract established on 30 August, 2012. All orders under this contract include operational and training rounds plus training, support and rapid delivery to support ongoing customer operations. AeroVironment will work with strategic teammate for advanced warheads, ATK, to produce and deliver these systems.
Switchblade provides a high-precision, direct fire capability at beyond-line-of-sight ranges in a rapidly deployable, back-packable package weighing six pounds.
Tim Conver, chairman and CEO, AeroVironment, said: ‘Even in tight defence budget environments, there is a need for innovative new weapon systems that allow our customers to achieve decisive force while reducing total mission costs. This surge of demand for Switchblade represents a breakthrough in its transition from development, testing and evaluation to adoption.
‘Our team is relentlessly focused on delivering new capabilities that help our customers succeed, and Switchblade is a clear example of our growth thesis working, from innovation to adoption. It’s creating a pathway to a compelling new capability for the army, and long-term growth for the company.’
Roy Minson, senior vice president and general manager of AeroVironment’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems business segment, added: ‘Switchblade helps protect our forces from harm in very dangerous situations. It provides a new and effective way for our forces to respond quickly to threats while reducing or even eliminating collateral damage through its set of unique capabilities. Switchblade is a smart, modern and cost-effective tool for force protection.’
More from Land Warfare
-
![New uses for proven weapons: adapting the Chain Gun for CUAS]()
New uses for proven weapons: adapting the Chain Gun for CUAS
Northrop Grumman’s M230LF Chain Gun is finding a growing role in countering uncrewed aerial systems, with the 30mm weapon already deployed to Ukraine and adopted by US forces.
-
![Companies downselected for British Army vehicle programme]()
Companies downselected for British Army vehicle programme
It is believed that three companies did not make the downselect but a dark horse in Spain’s Iturri is believed to have got through.
-
![Air defence offerings multiply in anticipation of emerging requirements]()
Air defence offerings multiply in anticipation of emerging requirements
Air defence and counter-drone weapons continue to be developed, tested and demonstrated in anticipation of growing demand, with most solutions designed to be platform-agnostic and readily integrated onto suitable platforms.
-
![September land forces roundup: DVD 2026 puts British Army requirements in the spotlight]()
September land forces roundup: DVD 2026 puts British Army requirements in the spotlight
The US Army began its search for a 155mm tracked mobile tactical cannon in an effort that Shephard forecasts could be worth billions of dollars. Meanwhile, the UK DVD exhibition saw companies showcase their offerings for the British Army’s mobility and air defence requirements.
