The Switchblade: A Game Changer in Tactical Warfare and Military Aid

Introduction

The Switchblade is a small, portable, and lethal drone developed by the U.S. Army and manufactured by AeroVironment, conceived by the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). It was designed to address the need for a more efficient and cost-effective method to respond to enemy ambushes in Afghanistan. Traditional close air support takes time to arrive, is expensive to conduct, and risks collateral damage in urban areas. The Switchblade offers a solution to these challenges with its sensors that help spot enemy fighters and an explosive warhead to attack them from above. Since its inception, the Switchblade has evolved and is now being considered for deployment in various global conflict zones, including Ukraine.

The Development and Initial Deployment of the Switchblade

The U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment a $4.9 million contract in July 2011 for the rapid fielding of an unspecified number of Switchblades to forces in Afghanistan. By March 2012, an additional $5.1 million was added to the contract, totaling $10 million. In May 2012, the United States Marine Corps began ordering Switchblades to strike improvised explosive device (IED) emplacement teams and other similar targets, with 75 Switchblades supplied to U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan in late 2012. By January 2013, commanders reported the Switchblade as “very effective,” and a joint urgent needs statement was requested by the Army theater commanders for more systems.

Reducing Collateral Damage and Increasing Deployment

One of the key advantages of the Switchblade is its ability to abort a mission if the situation changes after launch, allowing it to engage a secondary target or destroy itself without inflicting casualties or property damage. This wave-off feature has been used over a dozen times to prevent civilian casualties. In August 2013, AeroVironment was awarded five contracts totaling $15.8 million to supply more Switchblade systems and support to the Army, followed by additional contracts worth millions of dollars. Over 4,000 Switchblades were deployed in Afghanistan by the end of Operation Enduring Freedom, with 350 more delivered to SOCOM for use against Islamic State in mid-2017.

Evolving the Switchblade Platform and Expanding Applications

In April 2016, AeroVironment announced the development of an upgrade for the Switchblade Tactical Missile system, designated Block 10C, and the Multi-Pack Launcher (MPL) in October 2016. The company also collaborated with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions in October 2020 to demonstrate a high-speed, long-range unmanned combat air vehicle as a mothership for delivering Switchblade 300s in large numbers. AeroVironment has been working on the larger Switchblade 600 since late 2018, which was unveiled in October 2020 after undergoing 60 test flights against fixed and moving targets.

The Switchblade 600 and Maritime Precision Engagement

On 31 March 2021, AeroVironment was awarded a $26.1 million contract by SOCOM for the Switchblade 600. The system addresses the United States Naval Special Warfare Command’s Maritime Precision Engagement (MPE) requirement to engage asymmetric threats with Combatant Craft Medium (CCM) and Heavy (CCH) boats acting as host platforms.

The Switchblade in the Ukrainian Conflict

In March 2022, the U.S. considered providing Switchblade drones to the Ukrainian armed forces following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. A total of 700 systems were pledged, with 100 sent in March and another 600 in April. Ukraine first reported using a Switchblade on a Russian target in Kharkiv Oblast in early May. Although the Switchblade 300 has been used against various soft Russian targets, the anti-armor Switchblade 600 can be employed against heavy armor, including tanks. In October 2022, AeroVironment announced that the first batch of 10 Switchblade 600s would likely arrive in Ukraine within a few weeks.

The Switchblade’s Impact on Modern Warfare

The Switchblade drone has revolutionized modern warfare by providing a highly portable, efficient, and cost-effective solution for close air support. Its ability to be carried in a backpack and rapidly deployed on the battlefield makes it a versatile and valuable tool for ground troops. The wave-off feature, which allows operators to abort a mission to prevent civilian casualties, demonstrates a commitment to reducing collateral damage.

The Switchblade’s applications extend beyond Afghanistan and the Middle East, as demonstrated by its potential deployment in the Ukrainian conflict. Its versatility and adaptability have proven it to be an invaluable asset for various branches of the U.S. military and a potential game-changer for allied forces around the world.

Future Developments and Applications

As the Switchblade platform continues to evolve, it is likely that more advanced versions and new applications will emerge. The collaboration between AeroVironment and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions to develop a high-speed, long-range unmanned combat air vehicle as a mothership for Switchblade drones is an example of how the technology can be further integrated into larger-scale operations. Additionally, the development of the Switchblade 600 to address Maritime Precision Engagement requirements demonstrates the system’s potential for expansion into naval warfare.

It is also possible that the Switchblade could be adapted for use in non-military applications, such as border security, counter-terrorism, and law enforcement operations. Its small size, precision capabilities, and ability to limit collateral damage make it an attractive option for various security scenarios.

Conclusion

The Switchblade drone has significantly impacted modern warfare and military aid, providing a highly portable, efficient, and cost-effective solution for close air support. Its ability to reduce collateral damage and adapt to various situations on the battlefield has made it a valuable tool for the U.S. military and its allies. As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely that the Switchblade will find new applications and further solidify its position as a game-changer in tactical warfare.