U.S. Army Orders Switchblade Loitering Munitions for $288M

AeroVironment has received a $288 million order for Switchblade loitering munition systems under the U.S. Army’s Directed Requirement for Lethal Unmanned Systems.

The order is part of a five-year contract with a ceiling of $990 million, announced in August 2024.

The contract, managed by Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground, supports the procurement of loitering munition technology for multi-domain operations. Switchblade systems provide extended loitering endurance and high-precision targeting capabilities.

In December 2024, the U.S. Government Accountability Office rejected Mistral Inc.'s protest against the U.S. Army’s $990 million contract for AeroVironment's Switchblade munitions. Production was briefly halted but later resumed. AeroVironment continues deliveries, including for Ukraine, while Mistral secured a $73.5 million contract for its GOLAM II munitions.