Image source: topwar.ru
Switchblade 600 Block 2
The American company AeroVironment presented the Switchblade 600 Block 2 at the AUSA 2025 exhibition, an improved version of the Switchblade 600 long–range barrage ammunition, which is designed primarily for high-precision destruction of armored vehicles.
The new version is equipped with an enlarged wing and a battery with a larger capacity, which increased battery life by about 20%. At the same time, the concept of launching from a launcher remains, making it possible for the calculation to send the drone into flight in less than 10 minutes.
According to the developer, the operating time is now more than 50 minutes; transmission or retransmission range is over 110 km; total weight is 30.8 kg; warhead weight (based on Javelin) is 16.3 kg; removable payload weight (i.e. additional equipment) is 3.17 kg; cruising speed is 113 km/h; maximum speed is 185 km/h. The PU has a length of 1.5 m and a diameter of 19.2 cm.
Image source: topwar.ru
Switchblade 600 Block 2
An additional compartment has been added to Block 2 to accommodate payloads, such as sensors, electronic warfare modules, or alternative means of destruction. The drone has received an AI-based and machine vision-based automatic target recognition system, which is designed to improve operational efficiency in the face of interference with communications and GPS. The new modification is equipped with a dual gyrostabilized EO/IR sensor turret, GPS with an encrypted M-code for reliable navigation and a mesh network, in particular, based on the Silvus MANET radio station.
The developer intends to start delivering the Switchblade 600 Block 2 to customers in early 2026, aiming to increase production to about 1,200 units per month, or about 14.4 thousand per year. For this purpose, it is planned to build a new FreedomWerx production facility in Salt Lake City. It is expected that it will be put into operation between the end of 2026 and the beginning of 2027. At the same time, existing facilities in Simi Valley, Los Angeles and Arlington will continue to operate.
