AeroVironment launches new Switchblade 300 Block 20 attack drone

The five-pound precision-guided missile reportedly features significant upgrades over the Block 10C version including being lightweight, portable, and can be used by a single operator with longer endurance.

It also has a tablet-based fire-control system to train, plan, and execute missions as well as an integrated control on the launcher tube, an improved digital data Link, new EO/IR panning camera suite, and left-hand commit with continuous positive identification.

“Since pioneering the loitering missile category with Switchblade 300 more than a decade ago, our tactical missile systems have proven to be a game-changing capability for both US and allied forces, providing a remarkably rapid, precise and effective way to address lethal threats,” said AeroVironment tactical missile systems product line general manager and vice-president Brett Hush.

“Switchblade 300 Block 20 will continue to build on the system’s battle-proven legacy.”

The company has advised a deployment time of less than two minutes via tube launch from land, sea or mobile platforms The Block 20 also provides real-time video for use against beyond-line-of-sight targets and cursor-on-target GPS coordinates.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.