AV Secures $990M Contract to Provide U.S. Military with Switchblade Loitering Munitions – sUAS Information

AeroVironment (AV) has been awarded a contract for the U.S. Military’s Directed Requirement (DR) for Deadly Unmanned Techniques (LUS). The 5-year contract from Military Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Floor is Indefinite Supply, Indefinite Amount (IDIQ) with a contract ceiling worth of $990M. Deliveries of the Switchblade® methods are anticipated to start in months.

The LUS Directed Requirement is the Military’s first effort to equip troopers in infantry battalions with deadly, man-portable loitering munition methods. The combat-proven Switchblade methods will improve troopers’ capabilities with precision flight management, higher lethality towards fortified targets equivalent to armored autos and tanks, and the flexibility to trace and interact transferring non-line-of-sight targets. AV was awarded a contract for the LUS Directed Requirement in December 2023 and is at the moment delivering methods underneath that contract.

“AV is proud to have been chosen to offer Switchblade for this essential and pressing Military requirement,” stated Brett Hush, AV’s senior vice chairman and basic supervisor of Loitering Munition Techniques. “This newest contract underscores the unequalled maturity and effectiveness of our system, in addition to AV’s strategic positioning to quickly produce and ship these cutting-edge options to operators within the subject.”

Switchblade represents the following technology of extended-range loitering munition methods, offering operators within the subject with a multi-mission loitering munition system able to multi-domain operations. The combat-proven system additionally options high-precision optics and prolonged loitering endurance.

“Beginning with the LUS Directed Requirement, we’re effectively positioned to fulfill the Military’s rising wants, leveraging our strong manufacturing functionality and provide chain capability to make sure fast fielding and enhanced fight overmatch for our troopers,” continued Hush.

This contract additional solidifies AV’s position as a number one supplier of modern unmanned options. The corporate stays dedicated to supporting the U.S. Military’s mission by delivering superior know-how that ensures operational superiority and enhances the security and effectiveness of our army personnel.