AeroVironment Secures $26 Million Switchblade Contract

 AeroVironment Inc. received a $26 million contract to supply its Switchblade 600 tactical missile system to the U.S. Special Operations Command, the company announced Tuesday.The Simi Valley drone manufacturer will complete delivery and integration of the autonomous missile system into specialized maritime vessels by January 2023.

Brett Hush, vice president and general manager for tactical missile systems, said that the AeroVironment team has worked with customers to develop the Switchblade system to address complex needs and mission requirements.

“Integrating Switchblade 600 into combat platforms, such as the (Special Operations’) specialized maritime vessels, enhances force overmatch, minimizes warfighter exposure to enemy direct and indirect fires and accelerates the maturation of this innovative solution,” he said in a statement.The Switchblade has the capability to fly more than 40 minutes in military missions for reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition. Its anti-armor warhead allows for it to be fired at static and moving light armored vehicles.

Shares of AeroVironment closed down on Tuesday by 77 cents, or less than a percent, to $112.70 on the Nasdaq, on a day when that market closed down a fraction of a percent.