AV Unveils Next Generation of Switchblade Loitering Munitions

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.

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AV expands its Switchblade loitering munition product line with three new variants to deliver multi-domain, scalable lethality across mission sets. [Credit: AV]

“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.