Loitering Munition
Switchblade 300/600
Switchblade is a family of tube-launched loitering munitions built by AeroVironment in the United States. The small Switchblade 300 targets personnel at up to about 10 km, while the anti-armour Switchblade 600 reaches 40 km. Both became widely known after the US sent them to Ukraine in 2022.
United States|AeroVironmentOverview
The original Switchblade entered US service around 2011 and was used by American troops in Afghanistan. When AeroVironment unveiled the larger Switchblade 600 in October 2020, the earlier model was renamed Switchblade 300. Both are carried and launched by a single soldier from a tube within seconds. An EO/IR camera sends video to the operator, who stays in the loop and can wave off or re-target an attack until the final seconds of the dive.
The 2.5 kg Switchblade 300 carries a warhead roughly equivalent to a 40 mm grenade, while the 15 kg Switchblade 600 uses a warhead derived from the Javelin’s. The US pledged about 700 Switchblades to Ukraine in 2022, mostly 300s, and press reports described mixed early results. In 2024 the US Army awarded a contract worth nearly $1 billion over five years. Lithuania operates the 600, and orders have been reported from several other allies.
Key Specifications
Variants
The original anti-personnel Switchblade 300 standard, with about 10 km of range and 10–15 minutes of endurance.
An improved Switchblade 300 with endurance extended to about 20 minutes, still aimed at personnel and light targets.
The 15 kg anti-armour version with a Javelin-derived warhead, 40 km of range and about 20 minutes of loiter time.
Operators
United States
Ukraine
LithuaniaFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a Switchblade drone cost?
AeroVironment does not publish a unit price for Switchblade. Press estimates put the Switchblade 300 at roughly tens of thousands of dollars per round, with the anti-armour Switchblade 600 costing considerably more; contracts also cover launchers, training and support.
How far can a Switchblade drone fly?
The Switchblade 300 has a range of about 10 km, while the Switchblade 600 can reach about 40 km with roughly 20 minutes of loiter time. With relay antennas, the 600’s reach can be extended to about 80 km.
What is the difference between Switchblade 300 and 600?
The Switchblade 300 is a 2.5 kg anti-personnel munition with about 10 km of range, while the 15 kg Switchblade 600 is built to destroy armoured vehicles at up to 40 km using a warhead derived from the Javelin missile.
How many Switchblades were sent to Ukraine?
The United States pledged about 700 Switchblades to Ukraine in spring 2022, first 100 and then 600 more, mostly the smaller 300 model. Switchblade 300s were in use from around May 2022 and the 600 from spring 2023.
Switchblade vs Lancet: which is better?
Neither is clearly better, as they follow different concepts. The Switchblade 600 is tube-launched by one soldier, while Russia’s Lancet-3 is catapult-launched and usually paired with a separate reconnaissance drone. Both reach about 40 km, and real-world effectiveness claims are disputed.
Which countries use the Switchblade drone?
The United States and Ukraine use Switchblade, and Lithuania has the Switchblade 600 in service. Orders have also been reported from Australia, Canada, France, Greece, Romania and Sweden, and the US approved a sale to Taiwan, though not all have been confirmed as delivered.
