MQ-9 Reaper Launches Switchblade 600 Loitering Munition for First Time

GA-ASI and AeroVironment demonstrate first-ever air launch of Switchblade 600 from MQ-9A, advancing drone mothership concepts for smaller UAS.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and AeroVironment have completed the first-ever air launch of a Switchblade 600 loitering munition from an MQ-9A Reaper , marking a significant milestone in unmanned systems integration and expanding the aircraft’s versatility in contested environments. The test took place between July 22 and 24, 2025, at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds, according to press releases from both GA-ASI and AeroVironment on Sep. 10. Contents GA-ASI and AeroVironment demonstrate first-ever air launch of Switchblade 600 from MQ-9A, advancing drone mothership concepts for smaller UAS. A New Role for the MQ-9