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AV Receives $186 Million US Army Delivery Order for Next-Generation Switchblade Systems

Monday, March 2nd, 2026

ARLINGTON, Va. — February 26, 2026 — AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in autonomous systems and precision strike solutions, today announced receipt of a $186 million delivery order from the U.S. Army for Switchblade® 600 Block 2 and Switchblade® 300 Block 20 explosively formed penetrator (EFP) loitering munition systems.

The order was issued under the Army’s existing five-year, $990 million Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS), which was awarded in August 2024. This delivery order marks the U.S. Army’s first procurement of AV’s next-generation Switchblade product line, underlining a significant step forward in fielding advanced, precision loitering munitions across infantry and maneuver formations. It is the Army’s first Switchblade order containing EFP payload, delivering enhanced lethality against armored threats.

“This delivery order reflects the Army’s confidence in the next evolution of the Switchblade family and its relevance to modern, contested battlefields,” said Brian Young, Senior Vice President of Loitering Munitions at AV. “Switchblade 600 Block 2 and Switchblade 300 Block 20 build on years of combat experience while delivering meaningful upgrades in autonomy, resilience, and lethality tailored to today’s operational demands.”

Switchblade 600 Block 2 is AV’s most advanced long-range loitering munition to date, designed for multi-domain operations and ruggedized for maritime and highly contested environments. Developed in collaboration with United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM), the system features upgraded avionics and advanced Automatic Target Recognition (ATR), enabling faster detection, identification, and engagement of threats. Integrated resilient communications, including Silvus MANET radios, support distributed operations and extended handoff ranges, while improved navigation and mission resilience allow effective employment in GPS-challenged environments. These upgrades provide commanders with increased reach, flexibility, and confidence against armored and high-value targets.

Switchblade 300 Block 20 introduces a new modular payload capability to the combat-proven, backpackable loitering munition. For the first time, the Army has procured the system with an Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) payload, delivering enhanced lethality against armored threats while retaining the speed, portability, and ease of use that have made Switchblade 300 a trusted solution at the small-unit level. The Block 20 configuration also includes sensor improvements, enhanced user interfaces, and extended range options, allowing rapid, precision effects beyond line of sight.

Together, the Switchblade 600 Block 2 and Switchblade 300 Block 20 provide the Army with a scalable family of precision loitering munitions—from lightweight, single-operator systems to long-endurance, multi-domain capabilities—designed to operate seamlessly across echelons and mission sets.

“This delivery order further advances the Army’s Lethal Unmanned Systems Directed Requirement and reinforces AV’s role as the leading provider of combat-proven loitering munition systems,” said Young. “As we continue to invest in expanding Switchblade manufacturing capacity and accelerating delivery timelines, we are continuing to meet the growing demand for these products from U.S. and allied forces.”

Posted in Army, Contracts, Drone, Press Release | No Comments »

1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Parachute Riggers Make History on Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Monday, March 2nd, 2026

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. — Parachute riggers assigned to Group Support Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) successfully executed the first drop of a Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) on Feb. 12.

After nearly three years of planning and coordination with JBLM range control, the successful proof-of-concept demonstration facilitates future training and operational capabilities for 1SFG(A) and other adjacent units assigned to JBLM.

The JPADS is a self-steering, GPS guided airdrop platform consisting of a canopy and an autonomous guidance unit, capable of landing within 100 meters of its target. The demonstration unit notably utilized Modular Autonomous Guidance Unit 3.0 which incorporates GPS denied vision guided capability.

During the demonstration, the system carried a payload of 535 pounds suspended weight and was released from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter 4,750 above ground level.

The drop was followed by a military freefall pass simulating a Green Beret Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) team securing the payload on the ground. Then 1SFG(A) parachute riggers conducted a proficiency jump, where all rigger personnel jumped with a static line parachute that they packed themselves, demonstrating confidence in their product.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Wade Head, Group Airdrop Systems Technician, emphasized the operational significance of the capability.

“This is important because we can provide sustainment to the warfighter from a distance, that keeps the aircrew and aircraft safe.”

Operationally, ODA teams from the 1SFG(A) employ JPADS to deliver equipment and mission-critical items. These can be dropped at a desired impact point or sent to a pre-determined location for later retrieval. In some instances, a military freefall ODA pushes the JPADS first, immediately followed by an airborne operation, resulting in the personnel and equipment arriving to the desired impact point simultaneously.

“Now [the ODA teams] will be able to get their infiltration training locally, versus going to Yakima or somewhere else.” Said Sgt. 1st Class Mia Schwartz, Senior Airdrop Operations NCO.

A mixture of unit representatives from 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, 593rd Corps Sustainment Command and I Corps, attended the event to observe the demonstration. The Washington Army National Guard supported the event providing a CH-47 Chinook helicopter for the JPADS and airborne operations.

Planning the JPAD training came with challenges, particularly due to the installation’s proximity to adjacent roadways, neighborhoods and nearby towns. Organizers worked to mitigate risks while demonstrating the system’s precision and reliability. Most notably JBLM range control assisted 1SFG(A) with navigating safety protocol and ensuring safe implementation. This coordination provides a template for adjacent JBLM units to replicate similar training in the future.

The ability to train JPADS operation underscores the importance of the logistical support provided by the Group Support Battalion to mitigate interdiction of ground and sea lines of communication to the Special Forces Operators. By successfully completing this training both 1SFG(A) and conventional forces assigned to JBLM can better prepare for future operations.

By SGT Alec Byrd

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Parachuting, SOF | 2 Comments »

US Army Activates Capability Program Executive (CPE) Enterprise Software and Services (ES2)

Sunday, March 1st, 2026

FORT BELVOIR, Va. – On Feb. 25, the Hon. Brent Ingraham, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, joined leaders from the former U.S. Army Program Executive Office (PEO) Enterprise in unveiling the acquisition organization’s new name, logo and colors at an activation ceremony. The organization is now officially known as Capability Program Executive (CPE) Enterprise Software and Services (ES2).

As one of the Army’s 13 newly designated capability program executives, CPE ES2 will continue its core mission of delivering software and services that drive operational readiness, providing seamless support for mission-critical systems and warfighting capabilities. CPE ES2 will report directly to Hon. Ingraham and continue to work closely with the Army Chief Information Officer on technology initiatives.

According to Miranda Coleman, CPE ES2’s acting Capability Program Executive, the organization will remain focused for the rest of fiscal year 2026 on operationalizing low-code/no-code, delivering at speed, maturing Agile practices, maintaining adaptability and flexibility, and managing talent.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I’m confident we’re off to a fantastic start,” said Coleman, whose team highlighted several CPE ES2 software programs for Hon. Ingraham at a pre-ceremony capability demo.

As part of the organization’s transition to becoming a capability program executive, CPE ES2 has renamed its four portfolios to align with Army domains and better convey their areas of focus:

Project Manager (PM) Integrated Personnel and Pay System – Army is now PM Human Resources and Force Management (PM HR-FM).

PM Enterprise Business Systems and Convergence is now PM Logistics and Finance (PM LOG-FIN).

PM Defense Integrated Business Systems is now PM Acquisition, Training and Readiness (PM AT&R).

Project Director (PD) Enterprise Services is now PD Business Technology Solutions (PD BTS).

An updated organizational chart with all CPE ES2’s leaders, portfolios and product offices is available on the newly updated CPE ES2 website.

By Erika Christ

Posted in Acquisition, Army, Guest Post | No Comments »

National Guardsmen Train to Use Small Drones

Sunday, March 1st, 2026

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – National Guard Soldiers from various backgrounds, skillsets and military occupational specialties attending a 10-day small unmanned aircraft system operator course, or sUAS, are learning how to operate small drones.

The course, which began Feb. 19 and ends Feb. 28, is being conducted by the 166th Regiment – Regional Training Institute.

“It’s been a great course,” said Sgt. Stephen Scharf, a student from 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Regiment. “It’s a very evolving world, so there are a lot of new ideas coming out. A lot of things are changing very rapidly.

The course is structured to encourage students to adopt a tactical mindset and understand how the things they learn can be integrated into a large-scale combat operation, said Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Wahl, the sUAS operator course manager.

“One of my main goals here is to make it as realistic as we can,” he said. “So, it’s important for everyone to know how to operate one, because at any point you could be tasked with operating it.”

Several members of the 111th Engineer Brigade, West Virginia National Guard, attended the course because their unit is deploying soon. They’ll be using these drones on their deployment, Spc. Simon Bertram said.

“For infantry, it’s very necessary for reconnaissance,” Bertram said. “Getting more drone operators will be very beneficial.”

Other attendees of the course came to learn a new skill. Scharf said the course has been very informative.

“It’s an evolving world, and a lot of things are changing very rapidly,” he said. “The instructors are doing their best to stay on top of it and disseminating that info.”

Scharf mentioned that this course and the information it provides have been beneficial not just for himself but for the Army as a whole.

“It’s something that as we develop this, more doctrine gets established,” he said. “It’s going to be something that you’re going to see more widespread throughout both the Guard and the Army.”

The course is open to National Guard members of all military occupational specialties.

“There are infantrymen here, some of them are engineers,” Wahl said. “One of the students is an intel guy. There’s all kinds of jobs that come through.”

“All of these different jobs in the Army will be affected by sUAS’s,” Scharf said. “Sometimes that might be that you have to figure out how, which is a great thing.”

By SGT Kayden Bedwell

Posted in Army, Drone, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

Soldiers Engage with Advanced Battlefield Sensor Prototypes

Saturday, February 28th, 2026

From Feb. 2-6, 13 Soldiers from the 1st Armored Division, the Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE), and the Fires Center of Excellence, participated in a Soldier Touch Point (STP 0) at Fort Belvoir to engage with some of the Army’s latest technology under development—FALCONS.

FALCONS, which stands for Future Advanced Long-range Common Optical/Netted-fires Sensors, is set to replace the Long Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System (LRAS3). FALCONS integrates cutting-edge commercial technologies with advanced military sensors, including the Army’s third-generation Forward-Looking Infrared (3GEN FLIR) system.

Lt. Col. Ryan Welch, who leads Product Manager for Ground Sensors (PM GS) which manages the FALCONS program, said FALCONS will enhance Soldier performance where it matters most.

“FALCONS will improve the effectiveness of the Soldier on the battlefield by improving upon the legacy system, LRAS3/FS3, providing overmatch to our Scouts and Fire Supporters,” said Welch.

Designed for both mounted and dismounted operations, FALCONS pinpoints targets with precision to support a wide range of Army and joint munitions—whether precision-guided, near-precision, or conventional. Its networked architecture directly connects Scouts and Fire Supporters, accelerating coordination and shortening the kill chain.

One of the improvements with FALCONS includes the addition of artificial intelligence.

“FALCONS will integrate advancements in AI and machine learning into the most powerful IR [infrared] sensor on the battlefield to support Aided Target Detection and Recognition (AiTDR), which will reduce the cognitive load on operators,” Welch said.

The STP 0, led by Research and Technology Integration’s (RTI) Sensor Evaluation and Digital Prototyping Division (SEDP), focused on eliciting feedback on initial vendor designs including ergonomics, button layout, and Graphical User Interfaces (GUI).

STPs are testing and feedback events where Soldiers provide insights on how systems or equipment undergoing development will be used in the field. The touch points provide helpful input to vendors, testers, researchers and acquisition experts on the capabilities Soldiers will need.

During SPT 0, Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Agriesti with the MCoE provided soldiers with a familiarization session on LRAS3 – an integral step needed to understand FALCONS prototypes during feedback sessions. Additionally, he participated in the Soldier touch point as a subject matter expert to provide feedback from a user perspective.

The feedback included how the hands of Soldiers interact with prototype components.

“How do they feel, how do they work, are they getting in the way, are they too big,” said Agriesti. “Especially with the new generation of Soldier[s] coming along they are a lot more gaming oriented based on what studies have told us.”

Engineering psychologists facilitated discussion and evaluation in the STP focus groups, meticulously documenting Soldier interactions with the prototypes and their verbal feedback.

Colleen Gerrity, one of several engineering psychologists who evaluated feedback at STP 0, said it is crucial her team is involved early on

“I feel like this Soldier touch point is unique because we are involved at the beginning of the process,” said Gerrity. “This is great because we are able to apply the academic rigor of research, design, and evaluation to ensure that the feedback is robust.

The feedback gathered during the event will accelerate the design process by enabling the early identification and mitigation of potential design flaws

STP 0 also underscored the importance of having fire support specialists and calvary scouts at future touch points, as their feedback, particularly on the GUI and operation of FALCONS, is essential to ensure vendor designs translate into something both intuitive and operationally effective

“STP 0 will inform future vendor designs as they prepare to transition into the initial design phase of the FALCONS prototyping,” Welch said.

He added that feedback from the touchpoint included Soldier preferences on handgrip design and button layout, the benefits of biocular versus binocular display, and the formatting of basic GUIs.

“The information gleaned will result in a more ergonomic design optimized for usability and employment in the diverse battlefield conditions that our Soldiers fight in across the globe,” Welch said.

Story by Michael Bortot, Capability Program Executive – Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors

Posted in Army, Guest Post, ISR | Comments Off on Soldiers Engage with Advanced Battlefield Sensor Prototypes

Textron Systems’ Damocles Loitering Munition Selected For US Army Low Altitude Stalking & Strike Ordnance (LASSO) Contract

Friday, February 27th, 2026

Wilmington, Mass., Feb. 25, 2026 – Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today it was awarded a prototype agreement from the U.S. Army for the Low Altitude Stalking & Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program. Under the prototype agreement, Textron Systems will deliver a DamoclesTM loitering munition system and demonstrate it to the U.S. Army.

The DamoclesTM loitering munition, equipped with Textron Systems’ advanced GEN2 Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP), is a cutting-edge system designed to deliver decisive lethality in peer warfare environments. For the LASSO program, the Damocles system is integrated with a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) to deliver top-attack capability. In the VTOL configuration, no launch or recovery equipment is required.

The Damocles system is built with a modular open systems approach (MOSA), allowing other payloads to be integrated into the system to support various concepts of operation (CONOPS), such as electronic warfare effects. For operational safety, the system includes features to prevent unexploded ordnance (UXO), reducing the risk of hazardous remnants on the battlefield.

“Loitering munitions technology will be key in protecting the warfighter on the battlefield – they allow warfighters to send systems like Damocles beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) to engage a target from a safer standoff distance,” said Henry Finneral, Senior Vice President, Weapon Systems. “Textron Systems is proud to support this mission and leverage our industry-leading EFP technology to provide next-generation capability at speed and at scale.”

Posted in Army, Contracts, Drone, Press Release | No Comments »

Eyes on the Horizon: Honing Counter Drone Skills in Eastern Europe

Friday, February 27th, 2026

Download the full document here: No. 26-1120, Eyes on the Horizon: Honing Counter Drone Skills in Eastern Europe (Feb 26) [PDF – 2.9 MB]

“In a situation where seconds determine survival, C-sUAS training isn’t just preparation, it’s a measurement of readiness. We must be ready to counter the evolving threat of unmanned systems…to dominate the skies.”

– 173rd IBCT (A) UAS subject matter expert.

Introduction

Observations from the Russia-Ukraine War have revealed emergent tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) in the employment of small-unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), which have proliferated across the battle space. Russian sUAS have become a significant and persistent factor in protection considerations for Eastern European nations, particularly bordering Ukraine. The rapid employment of sUAS compresses the decision-making cycle to mere seconds, rendering traditional centralized air defense approval processes ineffective at the tactical edge. Consequently, the training environment in future U.S. Army Europe and Africa exercises must replicate the compressed decision cycles and complex threat environments seen in Eastern Europe, ensuring tactical leaders have both the tools and the authority to act decisively.

Numerous drone incursions from the Russia-Ukraine War have spilled over into neighboring countries. These incursions have heightened concerns over unexploded ordnance (UXO), particularly in Moldova’s southern regions: Cahul, L?pu?na, and Tighina which are near the Ukraine border. UXO threats in these regions raise concerns about public safety and regional security. These challenges and concerns are not unique to Moldova but are prevalent across NATO’s Eastern Flank Deterrence Line, underscoring the need for enhanced counter small-unmanned aircraft systems (C-sUAS) capabilities and regional collaboration. This publication provides insights on how U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) units plan and execute C-sUAS training along with lessons learned from exercise Fire Shield ’25 executed in Moldova in August 2025.

Background

USAREUR-AF leadership plans to conduct C-sUAS activities in exercises to build readiness with subordinate units, integrate emergent technologies, and exchange best practices with Allies and partners. However, host nation legal frameworks governing radio frequency (RF) jamming often constrain full replication of real-world, non-kinetic defeat operations across many established training areas in Western Europe during peace time. Partner nations, like Moldova, that formerly belonged to the U.S.S.R., are optimum locations to conduct C-sUAS training because of drone incursion threats that bleed over from the Russia-Ukraine War. These threats have created a regulatory environment that allows C-sUAS equipment to operate and a host nation appetite for electronic warfare (EW) focused training. As a result, the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) partnered with the 2nd Moldovan Brigade to conduct C-sUAS training as part of the Moldovan annual exercise Fire Shield ‘25 from 4-14 August 2025 at the Bulboaca Training Area in Moldova.

By CPT Madison Fuentes, CPT Saundra Johnson, Scott Safer, Samuel Flaming

Posted in Army, C-UAS, EW, Guest Post | No Comments »

JIATF-401 Supports JTF-NCR’s C-sUAS Threat Simulation Exercise

Thursday, February 26th, 2026

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. — Joint Inter-Agency Task Force – 401 participated in a multi-day Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Threat Simulation Exercise this week, designed to test and evaluate cutting-edge technologies aimed at protecting the National Capital Region. The exercise was a collaborative effort involving the base defense forces of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and key leaders from the Joint Task Force – National Capital Region, Combat Capabilities Development Command and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. The Director of JIATF-401, Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, visited the exercise on February 18 and praised the team’s efforts to test and train our forces on cutting edge counter drone technology.

“The threats we face are constantly evolving, and exercises like this are critical to ensuring we stay ahead of our adversaries,” stated Ross. “Seeing these dedicated teams and advanced technologies in action gives me great confidence in our ability to defend the vital assets within the National Capital Region. This is innovation and collaboration at its finest.”

The exercise involved the execution of dozens of simulated sUAS incidents, utilizing various drone types to test eleven different sensor systems and three mitigation devices. These scenarios, run during both day and night, were designed to replicate real-world threats and enhance the readiness of regional security forces.

A key focus of the event was the interoperability between different agencies and the seamless integration of their technologies. The data collected will be instrumental in refining the multi-layered defense strategy for the NCR.

Col. Brian Reynolds, provost marshal of Joint Task Force – National Capital Region, emphasized the importance of the joint effort. “This training is about more than just technology; it’s about people and partnerships,” said Reynolds. “By bringing together interagency, federal, state and local law enforcement, we are building a unified and coordinated defense. The interoperability we are honing this week ensures that we can act as a cohesive team to detect, track and mitigate any potential aerial threat. Every agency brings a unique capability to the fight, and together, we create a formidable domestic shield for installations in the homeland.”

JIATF-401 and its partners remain committed to continuous innovation, joint force training, and the rapid delivery of state-of-the-art c-UAS capability our warfighters need to defend the homeland.

By LTC Adam Scher

Posted in Army, C-UAS, Guest Post | No Comments »