“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.”
The Switchblade 600 Block 2 is a long-endurance system offering advanced avionics, AI-enabled onboard processing, and encrypted GPS for operations in contested spaces. It features a 20% increase in endurance and a relay range exceeding 100 kilometres, along with a secondary payload bay and IP67 rating for maritime use.
The new Switchblade 400 introduces a medium-range, man-portable solution weighing under 40 pounds, with rocket-assisted take-off and plug-and-play integration. Equipped with advanced edge computing and automatic threat recognition, it provides autonomous anti-armour capability for a single soldier in under five minutes.
Switchblade 300 Block 20 adds a modular payload bay supporting an EFP warhead, boosting lethality against armoured targets while maintaining a lightweight, backpackable design. It offers faster deployment, improved sensors, and extended range options, with a redesigned interface for increased targeting precision.
Developed using Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) standards, all three systems integrate with AV’s existing command and control platforms, including ATAK, Nett Warrior, and AV_Halo Command. Powered by AV_Halo Vision, they support computer vision-based object detection, tracking, and classification in complex operational conditions.
“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 Defence 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.”
The systems build on the operational success of Switchblade in the hands of both US and Ukrainian forces, offering affordable lethality in contested battlespaces. AeroVironment has increased production of the Switchblade 600 from 40 to 240 units per month, with further expansion expected to reach over 1,200 per month as its manufacturing capacity grows in California and Utah.
