AeroVironment, a number one American drone-maker primarily based in Arlington, Virginia, has secured a $54.9 million supply order from the U.S. Military for the manufacturing of its Switchblade loitering munition programs.
This newest award is a part of a broader indefinite supply, indefinite amount (IDIQ) contract with a possible ceiling of $743 million. The contract ensures continued help for each the U.S. Military and several other allied nations, together with Lithuania, Romania, and Sweden.
The Switchblade system, a light-weight, transportable, and combat-proven loitering munition, has been more and more relied upon by U.S. and allied forces in fashionable battlefield environments. The system presents an economical answer for precision strikes on enemy positions, permitting troops to have interaction targets from a distance with minimal collateral injury.
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Manufacturing beneath this contract will likely be performed in Simi Valley, California, with completion anticipated by June 30, 2026. The funding will likely be drawn from each the U.S. Military’s fiscal 2023 and 2024 budgets, in addition to from International Army Gross sales, reflecting worldwide curiosity within the Switchblade’s capabilities.
“This contract permits us to proceed delivering Switchblade programs to the U.S. Military and allied companions at pace with upgraded capabilities primarily based on real-time battlefield suggestions,” mentioned Brett Hush, senior vp and common supervisor of Loitering Munition Methods at AeroVironment. “We’re honored to supply the U.S. Military and our worldwide companions with battle-proven expertise.”
The Switchblade, initially developed for the U.S. navy, has confirmed efficient in a wide range of fight conditions, giving warfighters a tactical benefit via its ease of use and precision. Its means to loiter over a battlefield earlier than hanging makes it a useful asset in each reconnaissance and assault missions.
