US Successfully Launches Switchblade 600 Drone From MQ-9A Reaper for the First Time

The United States has conducted the first-ever launch of Switchblade 600 kamikaze drones from the large military drone MQ-9A Reaper.

AeroVironment, the manufacturer of the kamikaze UAVs, reported on this.

According to them, this marks an important step in advancing the capability to deploy loitering munitions from larger unmanned aerial vehicles, significantly extending their reach for precision strikes at long distances.

The tests were conducted in July of this year in cooperation with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), the manufacturer of the MQ-9A Reaper.

At the US Army training range in Yuma, the MQ-9A launched two Switchblade 600 kamikaze drones: one equipped with an inert warhead, and the other with a high-explosive charge.

After launch, control of the loitering munitions was transferred from the MQ-9 Reaper’s ground control operator to another operator located closer to the operational area.

AeroVironment emphasized the broader operational significance of the test, highlighting the system’s adaptability and the use of satellite communications (SATCOM) for launching, controlling, and striking targets with the Switchblade 600 drones.

This allows the MQ-9 to conduct operations beyond line of sight and deliver strikes at long range while remaining far from the battlefield.

It is claimed that when launched from an altitude of 9,150 meters, the Switchblade 600 could cover distances of over 175 km using direct communication protocols for targeting.

The integration of Switchblade 600 loitering munitions into the MQ-9 drone expands its combat capabilities and provides a new tool for the military.

It should be recalled that last fall, the American company AeroVironment signed an agreement with a Ukrainian company to localize the Switchblade 600.

Militarnyi previously reported on the destruction of a Russian Tor air defense system by such a kamikaze drone.