Switchblade 600 Kamikaze Drone Launched From MQ-9A Reaper for First Time in Arizona Tests

AeroVironment and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) have carried out the first air launch of a Switchblade 600 loitering munition from an MQ-9A Reaper in Arizona, advancing efforts to expand long-range precision strike options for drones.

Held at the US Army Yuma Proving Ground, the campaign validated the munition’s compatibility with the Reaper and demonstrated satellite communication control for beyond-line-of-sight operations.

The trials included launches with an inert warhead and a live high-explosive round that hit designated targets. The tests confirmed the Switchblade 600’s updated guidance, navigation, and payload systems designed to improve accuracy and reliability.

It also showed the munition can travel more than 175 kilometers (109 miles) when released from 30,000 feet (9,144 meters), giving the MQ-9A aircraft extended strike options at range.

After launch, control of the system was transferred from the MQ-9A’s ground control station to a separate operator closer to the operational area.

By integrating the kamikaze drone with the Reaper, operators were able to strike from standoff distances while coordinating directly with ground forces.

Expanded Capabilities

The consortium said that the Arizona demonstration showed how loitering munitions can support multi-domain operations where speed, flexibility, and long-range precision are critical.

The event also confirmed that the MQ-9 can undertake the role of “mothership” for airborne-launched effects, giving commanders additional strike options in contested environments.

“This cooperative effort showcased how combining different unmanned technologies could really provide value and effects to the warfighter,” GA-ASI President David Alexander stated.

AeroVironment Executive Vice President Jimmy Jenkins added that the test showed the potential of pairing proven systems.

“This integration is more than a technical achievement — it’s a clear demonstration of what’s possible when proven systems are combined to create new operational advantages,” he said.

The Switchblade 600 and the MQ-9A have already been deployed by several armed forces in combat. In the US military, there are a few hundred of the loitering munitions delivered, while roughly 200 Reapers are in the inventory.