Business
AV Receives $186 Million U.S. Army Delivery Order for Next-Generation Switchblade Systems
Army takes first steps into procuring upgraded Switchblade 600 Block 2 and Switchblade 300 Block 20 Explosively Formed Penetrator ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS
About this update from Aerovironment, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"\nArmy takes first steps into procuring upgraded Switchblade 600 Block 2 and Switchblade 300 Block 20 Explosively Formed Penetrator\n\n\n ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nAeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in autonomous systems and precision strike solutions, today announced receipt of a $186 million delivery order from the U.S. Army for Switchblade® 600 Block 2 and Switchblade® 300 Block 20 explosively formed penetrator (EFP) loitering munition systems.\n\nThis press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260226483479/en/Switchblade 600 Block 2 advances long-range loitering strike with extended endurance, enhanced optics, and improved anti-armor performance, delivering precision effects against high-value threats when and where operators need it most.\nThe order was issued under the Army’s existing five-year, $990 million Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS), which was awarded in August 2024. This delivery order marks the U.S. Army’s first procurement of AV’s next-generation Switchblade product line, underlining a significant step forward in fielding advanced, precision loitering munitions across infantry and maneuver formations. It is the Army’s first Switchblade order containing EFP payload, delivering enhanced lethality against armored threats.\n\n\n“This delivery order reflects the Army’s confidence in the next evolution of the Switchblade family and its relevance to modern, contested battlefields,” said Brian Young, Senior Vice President of Loitering Munitions at AV. “Switchblade 600 Block 2 and Switchblade 300 Block 20 build on years of combat experience while delivering meaningful upgrades in autonomy, resilience, and lethality tailored to today’s operational demands.”\n\n\nSwitchblade 600 Block 2 is AV’s most advanced long-range loitering munition to date, designed for multi-domain operations and ruggedized for maritime and highly contested environments. Developed in collaboration with United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM), the system features upgraded avionics and advanced Automatic Target Recognition (ATR), enabling faster detection, identification, and engagement of threats. Integrated resilient communications, including Silvus MANET radios, support distributed operatio...