The U.S. Army has awarded AeroVironment, a Virginia-based defense contractor, a contract worth up to $990 million to supply advanced loitering munitions, known as Switchblade drones, to its infantry battalions. This contract, announced by the Department of Defense, is a five-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) agreement, aimed at providing U.S. soldiers with enhanced, portable combat capabilities against a variety of targets, including tanks and armored vehicles.
The Switchblade system, often referred to as a “kamikaze drone,” is designed to give dismounted infantry formations a precise, stand-off weapon that can loiter over a battlefield before striking targets. The contract allows for flexible orders and is expected to fulfill the Army’s requirements for modern, lethal unmanned systems through 2029.
AeroVironment has been producing the Switchblade for over a decade, and the system has gained recognition for its effectiveness, especially following its deployment by Ukrainian forces in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The drones are equipped with high-resolution optics and advanced flight controls, enabling them to identify, track, and destroy enemy targets from a distance. The Switchblade 600 model, in particular, is designed to take on more fortified targets such as tanks, with extended loitering capabilities and an anti-armor warhead.
Following the announcement of the contract, AeroVironment’s stock surged as market analysts upgraded their outlook on the company.
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