AeroVironment launches new Switchblade variants amidst fierce competition

AeroVironment was one of the first loitering munition providers in the West and has manufactured thousands of systems for users around the world. But with many new companies now offering their own loitering munitions, the Switchblade is no longer the only choice. 

AeroVironment has announced three new variants of its Switchblade loitering munition family in a press release ahead of the AUSA conference and exhibition. Those new variants include the Switchblade 400, which is a brand-new mid-range design, as well as the Switchblade 300 Block 20 with a reconfigurable payload bay. The third variant is the Switchblade 600 Block 2, which carries a new payload capability and some other features. 

The Switchblade 400 uses a rocket-assisted take-off and provides anti-armour capabilities at stand-off ranges, the October 13 press release states. The all-up round weighs around 18 kg (40 lbs) including its launch tube and it includes automatic target recognition including “autonomous detection, classification, and elimination of threats–day or night.” This munition appears similar in concept to things like Russia’s Lancet, which carries a shaped charge capable of penetrating 200 mm of armour. It can provide an effective counter to enemy armour, assuming that time is not too much of a factor. 

The second variant is the Switchblade 300 Block 20, which has also been fitted with an explosively formed penetrator (EFP), providing it with some anti-armour capability. Generally speaking, EFPs can be difficult for armour to deal with as they are heavy and move very quickly, but are less capable at penetrating thick armour than a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) munition. 

Both work by concentrating an explosive’s energy against a metal plate to form a penetrator, but HEAT rounds use precision-manufactured metal cones to generate long, thin jets travelling at speeds up to 6 km/second.  EFPs in contrast tend to use flat plates or shallow bowls, which will form a thick slug, also moving at very high speeds. As EFPs tend to be larger in diameter, their kinetic energy is dispersed over a wider area, leading to reduced armour penetration. This doesn’t mean that they cannot take out a tank, but they may have to be directed at more vulnerable areas like the roof or engine.

Finally, the Switchblade 600 Block 2 builds upon the original Switchblade 600. It includes AI/ML assisted targeting as well as the ability to integrate with the SILVUS MANET radio system, which has been selected by Germany. They also include M-Code GPS, which is built to be more resilient to jamming and disruption that standard GPS. The 600 also offers a 20% increase in endurance and 100 km+ handoff, according to the press release. 

All three systems are designed to be integrated into a number of different command and control platforms including ATAK, Nett Warrior, and AV_Halo™ Command Tactical software with Kinesis universal tactical control architecture. 

Calibre comment: Switchblade and the competition

AeroVironment was one of the first providers of tactical loitering munitions, having supplied Switchblades to US forces in Afghanistan from 2012. It has continued to evolve and develop its family of munitions ever since, building thousands for the US and export customers. But more and more companies are entering the market with loitering munitions that have been deployed in Ukraine. It appears that the new iterations of the Switchblade position the family to offer new benefits that are also found on some of its competitors. 

Others in the market include the Hero 120 from UVision, HX-2 from Helsing, OWE-V from Stark, the L-Spike 4X from Rafael, and Altius-600M from Anduril. This means that there is a range of options for militaries to pick from and few things to differentiate them. Most are capable of reaching out to 100 km, which is necessary for Ukraine but it is not really relevant for a platoon or company. Most are relatively slow, except for the L-Spike, which is effectively a loitering missile and can travel 40 km in five minutes. Payloads are increasingly variable so that users can choose between munitions that are good for infantry and those that suit vehicles. Artificial intelligence and autonomy are commonplace, allowing for navigation, target detection and target tracking. 

AeroVironment at least is able to offer capabilities for a variety of use cases, as is the company UVision. This extends from organic precision strike for tactical elements through to much longer range systems capable of striking targets a long way behind the frontline. Many of the competitors are primarily orientated towards long-range missions, which seems to result from being developed for use in Ukraine. Perhaps AeroVironment’s long experience with its users will help it secure continued success, but it is clear that there are now multiple challengers in the loitering munition space. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on October 14, 2025. The lead image shows the concepts for the three new Switchblade variants. Credit: AeroVironment.