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.

“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.

The combat-proven Switchblade® 300 Block 20 now features a modular payload bay, supporting an Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) warhead for increased lethality against armored threats. With the AUR weighing just 7.2 lbs, the backpackable precision loitering munition enables a single operator to deliver beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) lethal effects in less than two minutes with improved endurance. The updated platform features an enhanced sensor and panning camera suite, a touchscreen tap-to-target interface with multiple commit angles, user-selectable point of detonation with continuous Positive Identification (PID), and extended range with an optional 30 km antenna.

Developed with Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) standards, the new Switchblade systems allow seamless integration with command and control (C2) platforms, including ATAK, Nett Warrior, and AV_Halo™ Command Tactical software with Kinesis universal tactical control architecture for fast, intuitive operation. Driven by AV_Halo Vision (previously AV’s SPOTR-Edge™ software) – part of AV’S unified suite of mission-ready software tools – these platforms provide onboard computer vision for detection, classification, localization, and tracking of operationally relevant objects, including people, vehicles, and maritime vessels–day or night, even in GPS-denied or comms-degraded environments. With a common design architecture, the systems share the same tablet-based Fire Control user interface (UI), patented wave-off and recommit features, encrypted datalinks, and mission planning–reducing logistical burdens and operator training time.

“AV has delivered thousands of Switchblade systems over the last 13 years, with hundreds of combat engagements shaping our design evolution,” said Jimmy Jenkins, Executive Vice President of Precision Strike and Defense Systems at AV. “The new Switchblade systems are warfighter-driven solutions—faster, smarter, and optimized for multi-domain operations. Our continuous innovation ensures US and allied forces remain equipped with rapid, adaptable, and overwhelming precision strike effects to maintain a tactical advantage on the modern battlefield.”

From US soldiers to frontline Ukrainian warfighters, Switchblade is the trusted, battle-proven loitering munition system of choice–offering cost-effective lethality in contested, congested battlespaces. The all-new Switchblade 400, Switchblade 600 Block 2, and Switchblade 300 Block 20 with EFP build on this legacy of innovation and reliability. AV is investing in the rapid expansion of its Switchblade manufacturing capacity–accelerating production of its Switchblade 600 over the last year from 40 to 240 systems per month. With growing demand from US and allied forces, continued investments in its Simi Valley, California, manufacturing facility, and the opening of its new next-generation manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, AV anticipates production growth to more than 1,200 per month in the near future.