The American Switchblade 600 loitering munition has been integrated for air launch from the MQ-9A Reaper strike and reconnaissance drone. This gives the MQ-9A Reaper a new role as a drone mothership.
Integration tests were conducted by the drones' developers, AeroVironment and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. The aim is to enhance the effectiveness of these systems in increasingly complex battlefield conditions.
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The tests demonstrated the possibility of real-time data transmission, control, and guidance. At the same time, over-the-horizon control was provided using SATCOM satellite communications.
At the same time, launching from a new platform extends the Switchblade 600’s range to over 175 km from an altitude of 30,000 feet (9.1 km). This should enable it to engage a new set of targets at extended ranges.
The use of motherships has been rapidly evolving recently, both in the russian-Ukrainian war and globally. Accordingly, developing such a system using existing drones is not only cost-effective but also enhances their core capabilities.
Using the MQ-9A as a carrier may be questioned due to its high cost, but under current U.S. conditions, it is a practical choice. With its long range and active deployment on multiple hot frontlines, adding a new weapon is a logical step.
At the same time, it should be noted that the Switchblade 600 is expensive but a reliable and widely used system, with launchers installed on various platforms. It was even considered for naval drones, including Malaysia's Swift Sea-Stalker S3-HP.
It is doubtful that Ukraine requires this setup, given the expense and the MQ-9A's prominent profile. However, the range achieved during integration indicates that there is potential.
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