UK investment in Switchblade loitering munitions revealed
UK interest in loitering munitions is growing, with confirmation in a new US DoD contract that it has invested in the AeroVironment Switchblade weapons system.
The UK is investing in Switchblade loitering munitions manufactured by AeroVironment, according to a US DoD contract published on 16 March.
No official order for the tube-launched weapon has been declared yet by the MoD and the DoD notice did not mention how many systems will be bought. Shephard understands that the UK – using FY2020 FMS funds – has committed to a full procurement of the loitering munition.
The exact value of UK funding was also not disclosed but was rather included in a broader $44.9 million contract modification issued to AeroVironment by US Army Contracting Command.
As noted in the contract
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