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
-
First locally built KF41 Lynx IFV handed over to Hungary
The KF41 procurement is part of Hungary’s Zrínyi 2026 development plan and is one of several efforts to procure modern, NATO-standard platforms that will supersede legacy equipment received from the Soviet Union by 2026.
-
How Spain’s acquisition of PAC-3 MSE can boost European air defence
Madrid will increase interoperability with the other seven users of next-gen Patriot in the region.
-
MBDA announces new VSHORAD system at Farnborough International Airshow 2024
The VSHORAD supersonic single-operator interceptor air defence system was unveiled at Farnborough.
-
Raytheon notes CUAS laser success and pushes for faster air defence manufacture
Raytheon’s Patriot air defence system has been in high demand with orders and commitment coming in from Germany, Romania and Spain.
-
BAE Tridon MK2 fitted with Chess Dynamics fire control system
The collaboration between the defence giant and the gunfire control specialist will help deliver a modular anti-drone solution.