AeroVironment (AV) has been awarded a contract for the U.S. Military’s Directed Requirement (DR) for Deadly Unmanned Programs (LUS). The 5-year contract from Military Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Floor is Indefinite Supply, Indefinite Amount (IDIQ) with a contract ceiling worth of $990M. Deliveries of the Switchblade® techniques are anticipated to start in months.
The LUS Directed Requirement is the Military’s first effort to equip troopers in infantry battalions with deadly, man-portable loitering munition techniques. The combat-proven Switchblade techniques will improve troopers’ capabilities with precision flight management, larger lethality towards fortified targets akin to armored automobiles and tanks, and the power to trace and interact shifting non-line-of-sight targets. AV was awarded a contract for the LUS Directed Requirement in December 2023 and is at the moment delivering techniques below that contract.
“AV is proud to have been selected to provide Switchblade for this critical and urgent Army requirement,” stated Brett Hush, AV’s senior vice chairman and normal supervisor of Loitering Munition Programs. “This latest contract underscores the unmatched maturity and effectiveness of our system, as well as AV’s strategic positioning to rapidly produce and deliver these cutting-edge solutions to operators in the field.”
Switchblade represents the following technology of extended-range loitering munition techniques, offering operators within the discipline with a multi-mission loitering munition system able to multi-domain operations. The combat-proven system additionally options high-precision optics and prolonged loitering endurance.
“Starting with the LUS Directed Requirement, we are well positioned to meet the Army’s emerging needs, leveraging our robust production capability and supply chain capacity to ensure rapid fielding and enhanced combat overmatch for our soldiers,” continued Hush.
This contract additional solidifies AV’s function as a number one supplier of progressive unmanned options. The corporate stays dedicated to supporting the U.S. Military’s mission by delivering superior know-how that ensures operational superiority and enhances the security and effectiveness of our army personnel.
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