In a groundbreaking development that’s set to redefine modern warfare, the U.S. Army has taken a bold step forward by incorporating the advanced Switchblade 600 loitering munition into its frontline squad tactics. This revolutionary move came to light during a high-stakes field exercise held at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany on August 26, 2025. As part of the expansive Saber Junction exercise, which simulates intense combat scenarios against near-peer adversaries, the Army showcased the operational integration of this cutting-edge technology under the newly established LASSO program—short for Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance. This initiative isn’t just another military upgrade; it’s a paradigm shift aimed at empowering individual infantry squads with the kind of precision firepower that was once the exclusive domain of larger, more cumbersome units like artillery battalions or air support wings.
The exercise, conducted amid the rolling hills and dense forests of Bavaria, involved troops from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, who demonstrated the Switchblade 600’s capabilities in real-time. Staff Sgt. Jared Baskeyfield, a seasoned soldier assigned to the regiment, was captured in action preparing to launch one of these munitions. The image, released by the U.S. Department of Defense, shows him handling the portable tube launcher with focused determination, highlighting the system’s user-friendly design that allows for quick deployment even in the heat of battle. This live-fire drill wasn’t just a test— it was a clear signal that the U.S. military is adapting rapidly to the lessons learned from ongoing global conflicts, ensuring American forces stay ahead in an era where speed, stealth, and precision are the keys to victory.
At its core, the Switchblade 600, engineered by the innovative American defense firm AeroVironment, represents the pinnacle of loitering munition technology. This man-portable system is launched from a simple tube, much like a shoulder-fired rocket, but once airborne, it transforms into a silent predator. Equipped with an anti-armor warhead inspired by the proven Javelin missile, it can neutralize a wide array of threats, from lightly armored vehicles to more robust medium tanks. Its impressive range exceeds 40 kilometers, allowing operators to strike targets far beyond the horizon, while its loiter time of over 40 minutes provides ample opportunity for reconnaissance and target selection. The drone’s high-resolution electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) gimbal camera suite delivers crystal-clear imagery, day or night, feeding real-time video back to the operator via a secure, encrypted data link. Controlled through a ruggedized tablet interface, the Switchblade 600 combines GPS/INS navigation with advanced algorithms that enable it to autonomously track and engage moving targets, all while minimizing the risk to friendly forces.
What makes this system truly revolutionary is its versatility. Beyond direct strikes, it excels in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles, hovering discreetly over enemy positions to gather critical data without alerting adversaries. In urban warfare scenarios, where traditional weapons might cause excessive collateral damage, the Switchblade’s precision guidance ensures surgical strikes that spare civilians and infrastructure. Its compact size—fitting into a backpack—means infantry squads can carry multiple units without being weighed down, turning every soldier into a potential force multiplier. This portability eliminates the need for heavy vehicles or dedicated launch platforms, making it ideal for dismounted operations in rugged terrain or contested environments where logistics are a challenge.
The driving force behind this integration is the LASSO program, launched in 2023 by the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO). Born out of urgent battlefield insights from conflicts like those in Ukraine and the Middle East, LASSO addresses longstanding gaps in small-unit capabilities. In the past, infantry squads often had to call in artillery barrages or airstrikes, processes that could take precious minutes or even hours due to bureaucratic layers and coordination requirements. These delays not only risked mission failure but also exposed troops to counterfire. Loitering munitions like the Switchblade 600 flip the script, offering on-demand, organic firepower that closes the sensor-to-shooter loop in seconds. With reduced risk of collateral damage and a lower acoustic signature, these systems allow for stealthy operations that catch enemies off guard.
Drawing from real-world examples, the rise of loitering munitions has been nothing short of transformative. In the ongoing war in Ukraine, similar drones have been credited with turning the tide against armored assaults, enabling outnumbered defenders to inflict heavy losses on invading forces. In the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijani forces used loitering munitions to decimate Armenian defenses, showcasing how these affordable, disposable weapons can level the playing field against superior mechanized armies. The U.S. Army, ever vigilant against emerging threats from peer competitors like China and Russia, has absorbed these lessons to avoid being caught flat-footed. By equipping squads with tools like the Switchblade 600, the Army is fostering a more decentralized, agile force structure that can operate effectively even in jammed or degraded communication environments.
During the August 2025 Saber Junction exercise, the Switchblade 600 proved its mettle in diverse scenarios. Soldiers launched the munitions to engage simulated enemy armor columns, disrupt supply lines by targeting logistics hubs, and neutralize command posts that were coordinating mock assaults. One particularly impressive demonstration involved a squad using the drone’s loitering capability to monitor a hidden enemy position, then striking precisely when the target presented itself—all from a concealed vantage point several kilometers away. This “fire-and-forget” approach allowed troops to maintain cover, reducing their vulnerability to return fire. The exercise also highlighted the system’s integration with other soldier-worn technologies, such as tactical radios and augmented reality headsets, which streamline targeting and enhance situational awareness.
LASSO’s rapid prototyping model sets it apart from traditional defense acquisitions, which can drag on for years. By prioritizing speed, the program has already begun fielding these systems to select units, with plans for wider deployment across light infantry, airborne, and special operations forces. Training requirements are minimal; soldiers can become proficient in hours, thanks to intuitive controls and built-in safety features that prevent accidental launches. Modularity is another key feature—future upgrades could include swarming capabilities, where multiple drones coordinate attacks, or enhanced AI for autonomous decision-making in GPS-denied zones.
As the LASSO program gains momentum, it signals a profound evolution in U.S. Army doctrine. No longer are infantry squads mere pawns in a larger game; they are now empowered as self-sufficient strike teams capable of independent operations. This shift not only boosts morale by giving troops more control over their fate but also enhances overall force lethality. In an age where adversaries are bolstering anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategies—think advanced air defenses and electronic warfare—the ability to deliver precision strikes from the ground up ensures American dominance. With ongoing validations and potential expansions to include other loitering munitions, LASSO is poised to become a cornerstone of future multi-domain operations, blending ground, air, and cyber elements into a seamless warfighting machine.
Looking ahead, the implications extend beyond the battlefield. This technology could influence international arms races, prompting allies and adversaries alike to develop countermeasures or equivalents. For the U.S., it reinforces a commitment to innovation, ensuring that American soldiers have the tools to prevail in any conflict. As the world watches, the Switchblade 600 and LASSO program stand as testaments to the Army’s adaptability, ready to stalk and strike in defense of freedom.
