Beyond the Board: The Future of Innovation—Why the Electronics Industry Needs You
American Made Advocacy: New Congress, New Opportunities
The Government Circuit: News on Defense Electronics, Europe, and Sustainability
AV Secures $990M Contract to Supply U.S. Army with Switchblade Loitering Munitions
August 29, 2024 | BUSINESS WIREEstimated reading time: 1 minute
AeroVironment (AV) has been awarded a contract for the U.S. Army’s Directed Requirement (DR) for Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS). The 5-year contract from Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground is Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with a contract ceiling value of $990M. Deliveries of the Switchblade® systems are expected to begin in months.
The LUS Directed Requirement is the Army’s first effort to equip soldiers in infantry battalions with lethal, man-portable loitering munition systems. The combat-proven Switchblade systems will enhance soldiers' capabilities with precision flight control, greater lethality against fortified targets such as armored vehicles and tanks, and the ability to track and engage moving non-line-of-sight targets. AV was awarded a contract for the LUS Directed Requirement in December 2023 and is currently delivering systems under that contract.
“AV is proud to have been selected to provide Switchblade for this critical and urgent Army requirement,” said Brett Hush, AV’s senior vice president and general manager of Loitering Munition Systems. “This latest contract underscores the unmatched maturity and effectiveness of our system, as well as AV’s strategic positioning to rapidly produce and deliver these cutting-edge solutions to operators in the field.”
Switchblade represents the next generation of extended-range loitering munition systems, providing operators in the field with a multi-mission loitering munition system capable of multi-domain operations. The combat-proven system also features high-precision optics and extended loitering endurance.
“Starting with the LUS Directed Requirement, we are well positioned to meet the Army’s emerging needs, leveraging our robust production capability and supply chain capacity to ensure rapid fielding and enhanced combat overmatch for our soldiers,” continued Hush.
This contract further solidifies AV’s role as a leading provider of innovative unmanned solutions. The company remains committed to supporting the U.S. Army’s mission by delivering advanced technology that ensures operational superiority and enhances the safety and effectiveness of our military personnel.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Transition Automation to Showcase Expanding Line of Permalex Squeegee Products at IPC APEX EXPO
03/07/2025 | Transition AutomationTransition Automation, Inc. (TA) is exhibiting a full product range of Permalex Edge Metal Squeegees and Holder systems at this year’s IPC APEX EXPO
RTX's Collins Aerospace EPACS Power and Thermal Management System Ready for Aircraft Integration
03/04/2025 | RTXCollins Aerospace, an RTX business, has successfully tested a fully functional demonstrator of its next-generation power and thermal management system (PTMS).
Northrop Grumman Honors Partners for Continued Manufacturing and Supplier Excellence
03/04/2025 | Northrop GrummanNorthrop Grumman Corporation recognized over 50 suppliers for their outstanding contributions and efforts in 2024. The company’s annual Supplier Excellence Awards celebrate the trusted supplier partnerships that support Northrop Grumman’s mission and values.
LRASM Performs Flight Test in F-35 Integration Test Series
03/04/2025 | Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin and the F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF) completed an initial flight test integrating the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) weapon system onto the F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet. This most recent test follows a flight test with LRASM on F-35C in September 2024.
BAE Systems Selected to Build Spacecraft for NOAA’s Space Weather Next L1 Series
03/04/2025 | BAE SystemsBAE Systems has been selected to build the spacecraft bus for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) upcoming Space Weather Next L1 Series mission.