AeroVironment is at the forefront of revolutionizing battlefield strategies with its Switchblade drone technology. This California-based company is not only enhancing its production capabilities but also innovating the ways these drones can be deployed, including launching them from the MQ-9 Reaper drone. With the U.S. Army pushing forward its loitering munitions capability through the Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program, AeroVironment is gearing up for significant advancements.
AeroVironment’s Expansion Plans
Brian Young, who leads the Switchblade program at AeroVironment, revealed plans to establish a new production facility in Salt Lake City by late 2026 or early 2027. This facility is expected to surpass the current Los Angeles site, enabling the company to amplify its monthly output from 500 units to several thousand. This strategic move aligns with the Army’s LASSO program, which Young indicated would drive a “shift toward technologies and scale.”
The Switchblade drone, a loitering munition, has gained notoriety for its effectiveness in Ukraine’s defense against Russian forces. The drone is launched from a tube, deploys wings mid-air, and then navigates to its target to detonate. To enhance its versatility, AeroVironment is adopting a modular open systems approach, integrating components like radios and GPS to allow for easy customization for various missions.
Innovations and Upgrades
At the recent Association of the U.S. Army’s conference, AeroVironment showcased upgrades to its Switchblade models. The Switchblade 300, known for its portability, now includes an armor-piercing payload, designed to counter armored vehicles prevalent in today’s conflicts, such as those in Ukraine. The updated model is expected to be certified for use by 2026, following Army qualifications.
Young explained, “You look at the war going on in Ukraine, they’re really going after these high-value assets that are heavily fortified.” This necessitated the payload update to penetrate thick armor.
The Switchblade 400, tailored for the LASSO program, combines the capabilities of the heavier Switchblade 600 but is more compact, weighing under 40 pounds. This design enhances its portability while retaining powerful features like a Javelin multipurpose warhead.
AeroVironment is anticipating an announcement from the Army on whether the Switchblade 400 will be selected for the LASSO program soon.
Future Prospects and Market Demand
The future looks promising for AeroVironment as it introduces the Switchblade 600 Block 2 for the U.S. military. This model will incorporate advanced GPS, improved radios, and automated target recognition, with deliveries expected to begin in early 2026.
The existing Switchblade 600 Block 1 is widely utilized in Ukraine, with AeroVironment having produced approximately 3,000 units. Young asserts the market for loitering munitions like the Switchblade is robust and expanding, necessitating a diverse range of variants for military applications.
Innovations aren’t limited to individual drone enhancements. AeroVironment is also exploring the integration of Switchblade launchers on both manned and unmanned vehicles, including surface ships and ground vehicles. Notably, the company recently collaborated with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to successfully launch a Switchblade 600 from an MQ-9 Reaper drone. This adaptation allows for global operation through a satellite link, showcasing AeroVironment’s commitment to cutting-edge technological advancement.
Young emphasized the potential of this approach, stating, “You can, from anywhere in the world now, operate a Switchblade through that satellite link.”
