U.S., U.K. Armies Order Aerovironment's Switchblade Weapon Systems

The U.S. and U.K. today placed an order for Switchblade Weapon Systems for $45 million.

Fiscal 2010 Foreign Military Sales (United Kingdom) funds; and fiscal 2020 missile procurement (Army) funds in the amount of $45 million were obligated at the time of the award, a U.S. DoD release today said.

The Switchblade is a miniature, high-precision strike tactical missile system designed to engage stationary and moving targets. It is equipped with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, enabling it to engage beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) targets. It weighs 2kg and can attain a maximum speed of 85kts. The system can be operated manually or autonomously. It provides the operator with real-time video through the ground control system.

Work will be performed in Simi Valley, California, with an estimated completion date of April 29, 2023.