AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain autonomous systems, announced today its Switchblade 600 loitering munition system (LMS) has achieved a significant milestone with its first-ever air launch from an MQ-9A Reaper Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). This successful integration represents an important step forward in advancing air-launched, precision-strike capabilities demonstrating the versatility, extended reach using the MQ-9A, and operational relevance of the Switchblade 600 in complex, multi-domain environments.

The week-long flight event, conducted in partnership with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), demonstrated Switchblade 600’s seamless integration with the MQ-9A and highlighted enhanced satellite communication (SATCOM) capabilities for launch, control, and engagement. This milestone reflects a major leap forward in networked, distributed operations—enabling global, beyond-line-of-sight command and control. With this achievement, Switchblade 600 continues to set the standard for scalable, expeditionary loitering munitions designed for both current and future mission domain environments.

“This successful demonstration is the result of close coordination, technical rigor, and shared commitment across teams,” said Wahid Nawabi, AV Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We appreciate the strong collaboration with GA-ASI in achieving this integration milestone. The ability to air launch and control Switchblade 600 from the MQ-9A UAS platform via SATCOM highlights the system’s adaptability and operational maturity—reinforcing our commitment to delivering advanced capabilities in direct support of the warfighter.”