USSOCOM places order for Switchblade 600
AeroVironment is delivering its Switchblade 600 system to USSOCOM for precision engagement of naval and littoral threats. (Photo: AeroVironment)
Loitering munition system to be installed on maritime platforms used by US special forces.
US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is procuring an undisclosed number of Switchblade 600 loitering munition systems, manufacturer AeroVironment revealed on 27 April.
The order was placed on 31 March for delivery and integration of Switchblade 600s into specialised maritime platforms, for precision engagement of naval and littoral threats.
AeroVironment expects to complete deliveries to USSOCOM by January 2023.
Switchblade 600 is an all-in-one, man-portable solution equipped with a high-performance EO/IR gimballed sensor suite, precision flight control and more than 40min of flight time for ISTAR.
The loitering munition consists of a simple box-shaped fuselage with two pairs of folding wings and two tail fins.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, a single system contains a 22.7kg Switchblade 600 munition, a self-contained tube-launcher, a touch-screen ground control system and an antenna.
The entire system can be fitted into two 180cm x 46cm x 43cm transportable cases. The case which houses the launcher and munition weighs 40.8kg, while the other case weighs 54.1kg.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![British Army to explore CUAS options to combat Class 1 drones]()
British Army to explore CUAS options to combat Class 1 drones
Named Project Vanaheim, the joint project will be run by the British and US armies and is the ‘first wave’ in a substantial programme of work to update both armed forces’ CUAS capabilities.
-
![US Navy's next-gen aircraft contract award expected this week]()
US Navy's next-gen aircraft contract award expected this week
The F/A-XX programme is the US Navy’s answer to improving air superiority against the rising threat of China in the Indo-Pacific.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australia set to receive Apaches as Tiger retirement begins]()
Avalon 2025: Australia set to receive Apaches as Tiger retirement begins
After giving European Tiger attack helicopters and NH90 large utility helicopters a chance to meet Australian needs, which encountered problems, the country has turned back to the US for Apaches and Black Hawks, respectively.
-
![Avalon 2025: Honeywell finds local partner to support oxygen system of Australian F-35As]()
Avalon 2025: Honeywell finds local partner to support oxygen system of Australian F-35As
The last Australian F-35A was delivered in December 2024 and Honeywell is partnering with RFD Australia to support the Back-up Oxygen Systems (BOS) of the fleet.
