GA-ASI and AeroVironment achieved a milestone by launching a Switchblade 600 loitering munition from a GA-ASI MQ-9A Block 5 UAS at Yuma Proving Grounds, July 22–24. It was the first air launch of the SB600 from an unmanned aircraft. Two munitions were deployed—one inert, one live—and control was successfully transferred from the MQ-9A’s ground station to an operator nearer the target area. GA-ASI President David R. Alexander noted the integration extends SB600’s range while allowing the MQ-9A to stay farther from threats, giving commanders safer, more flexible strike options. The test validated GA-ASI’s ability to integrate various air-launched effects, including those from partners like AV, underscoring the growing importance of unmanned collaboration in contested airspace.
Press release
