Exclusive: U.S. Conducts First Combat Test of Switchblade 600 Loitering Munition on MQ-9A Drone
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A critical technological milestone in unmanned combat systems has been reached with the first-ever air launch of a Switchblade 600 loitering munition from a General Atomics MQ-9A Block 5 unmanned aerial system. Conducted between July 22 and 24, 2025, at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground, the test validates a new operational capability that transforms the MQ-9A from a traditional remotely piloted strike asset into a networked, long-range launch platform for precision loitering weapons. The demonstration marks a decisive step in the U.S. military’s shift toward modular, risk-tolerant, and distributed lethality across contested theaters.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
A U.S. GA-ASI MQ-9A unmanned aerial system conducts the first-ever in-flight launch of a Switchblade 600 loitering munition during U.S. Army testing at Yuma Proving Ground, July 2025. This historic integration expands the MQ-9A’s role as a long-range precision strike platform capable of deploying loitering munitions deep into contested battlespace. (Picture source: GA-ASI)
The test involved the successful release of two Switchblade 600 (SB600) loitering munitions from an MQ-9A Reaper flying at altitude, one inert training munition and one live round armed with a high-explosive anti-armor warhead. Following deployment, the munitions transitioned to loitering flight profiles under the control of a tactical operator located closer to the engagement area. This remote handoff establishes a new operational strike model that merges long-endurance surveillance with decentralized, in-flight target prosecution.
The MQ-9A Reaper, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial platform designed for both reconnaissance and strike missions. With a wingspan of 20 m (66 ft) and an operational ceiling of 15,240 m (50,000 ft), the MQ-9A offers an endurance exceeding 43 hours, allowing it to maintain persistent surveillance and execute multi-target engagements over vast distances. The Block 5 variant used in this test features upgraded power systems, modular payload bays, high-throughput datalinks, and advanced weapons integration capabilities, positioning it as the most capable configuration in current U.S. service.
Now armed with the Switchblade 600, the MQ-9A is capable of deploying precision loitering munitions deep into enemy-held territory without entering high-risk air defense zones. The Switchblade 600, manufactured by AeroVironment, is a man-portable, tube-launched tactical loitering munition engineered for engaging armored vehicles and fortified positions. Weighing approximately 23 kg (50 lb), the SB600 is equipped with a dual electro-optical and infrared sensor package, a high-explosive anti-armor warhead, encrypted data links, and autonomous flight capabilities. It provides a range exceeding 40 km (25 mi) and loiter time up to 40 minutes, enabling target detection, real-time surveillance, and precision strike in a single system.
The pairing of these two systems creates a scalable, high-impact capability that merges the MQ-9A’s persistence and sensor range with the SB600’s strike precision. Operationally, this allows the Reaper to act as a standoff “mothership,” deploying loitering munitions into high-threat environments while remaining outside the reach of enemy air defenses. Once airborne, the SB600 loiters over the target area, transmits live video feeds, and executes terminal engagement with pinpoint accuracy based on real-time targeting data.
This air-launch integration significantly extends the tactical utility of the MQ-9A. Traditionally configured with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and GBU-series laser-guided bombs, the Reaper has been a proven ISR-strike platform. The introduction of loitering munitions adds a flexible, low-signature strike capability that can be retargeted mid-flight and used against time-sensitive or mobile targets. The munitions’ ability to loiter, observe, and then strike also improves overall situational awareness and target validation without additional platforms.
From a combat effectiveness standpoint, this configuration enables the rapid prosecution of targets at extended ranges, especially in environments contested by electronic warfare, camouflage, or mobility. The ability to pass munition control to forward elements such as ground units or special operations forces allows for synchronized, real-time strike operations in a distributed command model. This tactical approach supports joint and coalition operations across multi-domain environments.
Strategically, the air-launched Switchblade 600 represents a new level of layered lethality aligned with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) doctrine. Loitering munitions launched from unmanned aerial systems like the MQ-9A enable faster decision cycles and deeper target access, particularly in anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments. By separating the launch platform from the engagement zone, the U.S. military reduces risk to high-value assets while increasing operational tempo and strike coverage.
In terms of cost-efficiency and logistics, the Switchblade 600 provides a lower-cost alternative to traditional munitions while maintaining high precision and minimal collateral risk. Its compact size, rapid deployability, and reduced acoustic and thermal signatures make it ideal for complex urban and hybrid warfare environments, where larger munitions may be excessive or impractical.
The demonstration also highlights the modular, open-architecture adaptability of the MQ-9A platform. General Atomics has consistently upgraded the Reaper to meet evolving operational demands, integrating electronic warfare pods, radar warning receivers, advanced communication relays, and now loitering munition systems. The successful integration of third-party payloads such as the SB600 reflects a mature, flexible design philosophy that supports rapid capability expansion.
Future testing is expected to include simultaneous launch of multiple loitering munitions, extended-range operations, and multi-platform control scenarios. Additional validation may occur at Dugway Proving Ground and in operational testing environments under U.S. Special Operations Command. The integration is also seen as supporting broader U.S. Army and Air Force modernization efforts, particularly under the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) and Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) programs, which prioritize platform interoperability and autonomous operations.
In a shifting global threat environment marked by peer competition, rapid escalation scenarios, and dispersed battlefield dynamics, the MQ-9A’s ability to launch Switchblade 600 loitering munitions represents a significant advancement in unmanned combat capability. It enhances long-range strike flexibility, improves survivability in high-threat airspace, and expands the mission profile of one of the most operationally proven unmanned systems in service today.Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition GroupAlain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.
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A critical technological milestone in unmanned combat systems has been reached with the first-ever air launch of a Switchblade 600 loitering munition from a General Atomics MQ-9A Block 5 unmanned aerial system. Conducted between July 22 and 24, 2025, at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground, the test validates a new operational capability that transforms the MQ-9A from a traditional remotely piloted strike asset into a networked, long-range launch platform for precision loitering weapons. The demonstration marks a decisive step in the U.S. military’s shift toward modular, risk-tolerant, and distributed lethality across contested theaters.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
A U.S. GA-ASI MQ-9A unmanned aerial system conducts the first-ever in-flight launch of a Switchblade 600 loitering munition during U.S. Army testing at Yuma Proving Ground, July 2025. This historic integration expands the MQ-9A’s role as a long-range precision strike platform capable of deploying loitering munitions deep into contested battlespace. (Picture source: GA-ASI)
The test involved the successful release of two Switchblade 600 (SB600) loitering munitions from an MQ-9A Reaper flying at altitude, one inert training munition and one live round armed with a high-explosive anti-armor warhead. Following deployment, the munitions transitioned to loitering flight profiles under the control of a tactical operator located closer to the engagement area. This remote handoff establishes a new operational strike model that merges long-endurance surveillance with decentralized, in-flight target prosecution.
The MQ-9A Reaper, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial platform designed for both reconnaissance and strike missions. With a wingspan of 20 m (66 ft) and an operational ceiling of 15,240 m (50,000 ft), the MQ-9A offers an endurance exceeding 43 hours, allowing it to maintain persistent surveillance and execute multi-target engagements over vast distances. The Block 5 variant used in this test features upgraded power systems, modular payload bays, high-throughput datalinks, and advanced weapons integration capabilities, positioning it as the most capable configuration in current U.S. service.
Now armed with the Switchblade 600, the MQ-9A is capable of deploying precision loitering munitions deep into enemy-held territory without entering high-risk air defense zones. The Switchblade 600, manufactured by AeroVironment, is a man-portable, tube-launched tactical loitering munition engineered for engaging armored vehicles and fortified positions. Weighing approximately 23 kg (50 lb), the SB600 is equipped with a dual electro-optical and infrared sensor package, a high-explosive anti-armor warhead, encrypted data links, and autonomous flight capabilities. It provides a range exceeding 40 km (25 mi) and loiter time up to 40 minutes, enabling target detection, real-time surveillance, and precision strike in a single system.
The pairing of these two systems creates a scalable, high-impact capability that merges the MQ-9A’s persistence and sensor range with the SB600’s strike precision. Operationally, this allows the Reaper to act as a standoff “mothership,” deploying loitering munitions into high-threat environments while remaining outside the reach of enemy air defenses. Once airborne, the SB600 loiters over the target area, transmits live video feeds, and executes terminal engagement with pinpoint accuracy based on real-time targeting data.
This air-launch integration significantly extends the tactical utility of the MQ-9A. Traditionally configured with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and GBU-series laser-guided bombs, the Reaper has been a proven ISR-strike platform. The introduction of loitering munitions adds a flexible, low-signature strike capability that can be retargeted mid-flight and used against time-sensitive or mobile targets. The munitions’ ability to loiter, observe, and then strike also improves overall situational awareness and target validation without additional platforms.
From a combat effectiveness standpoint, this configuration enables the rapid prosecution of targets at extended ranges, especially in environments contested by electronic warfare, camouflage, or mobility. The ability to pass munition control to forward elements such as ground units or special operations forces allows for synchronized, real-time strike operations in a distributed command model. This tactical approach supports joint and coalition operations across multi-domain environments.
Strategically, the air-launched Switchblade 600 represents a new level of layered lethality aligned with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) doctrine. Loitering munitions launched from unmanned aerial systems like the MQ-9A enable faster decision cycles and deeper target access, particularly in anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments. By separating the launch platform from the engagement zone, the U.S. military reduces risk to high-value assets while increasing operational tempo and strike coverage.
In terms of cost-efficiency and logistics, the Switchblade 600 provides a lower-cost alternative to traditional munitions while maintaining high precision and minimal collateral risk. Its compact size, rapid deployability, and reduced acoustic and thermal signatures make it ideal for complex urban and hybrid warfare environments, where larger munitions may be excessive or impractical.
The demonstration also highlights the modular, open-architecture adaptability of the MQ-9A platform. General Atomics has consistently upgraded the Reaper to meet evolving operational demands, integrating electronic warfare pods, radar warning receivers, advanced communication relays, and now loitering munition systems. The successful integration of third-party payloads such as the SB600 reflects a mature, flexible design philosophy that supports rapid capability expansion.
Future testing is expected to include simultaneous launch of multiple loitering munitions, extended-range operations, and multi-platform control scenarios. Additional validation may occur at Dugway Proving Ground and in operational testing environments under U.S. Special Operations Command. The integration is also seen as supporting broader U.S. Army and Air Force modernization efforts, particularly under the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) and Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) programs, which prioritize platform interoperability and autonomous operations.
In a shifting global threat environment marked by peer competition, rapid escalation scenarios, and dispersed battlefield dynamics, the MQ-9A’s ability to launch Switchblade 600 loitering munitions represents a significant advancement in unmanned combat capability. It enhances long-range strike flexibility, improves survivability in high-threat airspace, and expands the mission profile of one of the most operationally proven unmanned systems in service today.
Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.
