US firm's drone conducts strikes with next-gen loitering munition

A recent military test demonstrated the successful integration and operation of a next-generation loitering munition, the Switchblade 600 (SB600), launched from a General Atomics Block 5 MQ-9A unmanned aircraft system (UAS). Conducted at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds in July 2025, the flight tests included two successful launches featuring precision targeting, real-time data transmission, and over-the-horizon communication. This marked the first time the SB600 was air-launched from an unmanned aircraft, highlighting the potential for large drones like the MQ-9A to serve as motherships for smaller loitering munitions, thereby extending operational range and increasing survivability in contested airspace. The collaboration between General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and AeroVironment showcased how combining different unmanned technologies can enhance battlefield capabilities. After launch, control of the Switchblade was transferred from the MQ-9A’s ground control station to operators closer