AeroVironment (AV) has been awarded a major contract by the U.S. Army for the Directed Requirement (DR) for Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS). This 5-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, issued by the Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground, carries a ceiling value of $990 million.
The contract marks a critical step in the Army’s efforts to enhance the capabilities of its infantry battalions through advanced, man-portable loitering munitions systems. Deliveries of the Switchblade systems, a core component of this initiative, are expected to begin in the coming months.
The LUS Directed Requirement is the Army’s first major effort to provide soldiers with lethal, portable loitering munitions capable of engaging targets with precision. The Switchblade system is designed to offer significant advantages on the battlefield, including precision flight control and the ability to effectively engage fortified targets such as armoured vehicles and tanks. The system also provides the capability to track and engage moving targets that are out of the direct line of sight, offering a versatile solution for complex combat scenarios.
AeroVironment has already been involved in delivering these systems under a previous contract awarded in December 2023. This latest contract underscores the Army’s confidence in the Switchblade system’s operational effectiveness and AV’s capacity to meet the urgent needs of soldiers in the field. According to Brett Hush, AV’s senior vice president and general manager of Loitering Munition Systems, the contract highlights the maturity of the Switchblade technology and AV’s strategic position to rapidly produce and deliver these systems.
The Switchblade represents a next-generation munition en transit system, offering extended range, high-precision optics and enhanced loitering endurance. The system is designed to support multi-domain operations, making it a critical asset for modern warfare.
This contract further establishes AeroVironment as a key provider of innovative unmanned solutions for the U.S. military. The company remains committed to supporting the Army’s mission by delivering advanced technologies that enhance the safety, effectiveness, and operational superiority of U.S. military personnel.
Crédit photographique : AeroVironment
