AeroVironment Awarded $8.9M Contract for Marine Corps Precision Fires Program

AeroVironment (AV) has secured a contract with the U.S. Marine Corps to deliver the Switchblade 300 Block 20 loitering munition system as part of the Organic Precision Fires-Light (OPF-L) program of record.

The OPF-L program aims to enhance the Marine Corps' tactical capabilities with organic, precision fires against armored and personnel targets. AV's Switchblade 300 Block 20 system, designed to be individually operated and man-portable, will provide Marines with a lightweight, precision-guided munition for engaging adversaries beyond line-of-sight.

In an initial order valued at $8.9 million, part of a larger contract with a potential value of up to $249 million, AV will supply the Switchblade 300 Block 20 to meet the Marine Corps' urgent operational needs.

The Switchblade 300 system has been battle-tested and deployed since 2012, with the Block 20 version incorporating lessons learned from real-world combat operations. Key enhancements include an armor-penetrating Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) warhead, improved flight endurance, and extended radio link range, addressing operational needs identified in conflict zones.