Switchblade

Switchblade emerged from U.S. work on small, tube-launched loitering munitions that could give infantry and special-operations units organic precision strike beyond line of sight. Designation-Systems traces its roots to the Army Research Laboratory SOAR effort and later rapid fielding in Afghanistan. The family became more prominent as loitering munitions moved from niche special-purpose systems into mainstream tactical warfare.

Switchblade 300 is a man-portable loitering munition that combines a small unmanned aircraft, sensor, guidance package, and warhead in a tube-launched weapon. AeroVironment describes the Block 20 as lightweight and single-operator usable, with an electro-optical/infrared panning camera suite, selectable attack geometry, and positive identification features. The system is designed to be recoverable only in decision logic, not physically reusable after attack.

Operationally, Switchblade gives small units a precision strike option without calling for aircraft, artillery, or larger missiles. It is suited to time-sensitive targets, exposed personnel, light vehicles, and positions where low collateral damage matters. The page should explain that Switchblade is not a reconnaissance drone alone: it is a one-way loitering munition whose reconnaissance value supports target confirmation before attack.