US Denies Mistral’s Protest Over $990M Switchblade Deal With AeroVironment
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has rejected Mistral’s bid to overturn the US Army’s $990-million contract for Switchblade loitering munitions awarded to AeroVironment.
Issued on December 13, the decision justifies the contract award, confirming that the winning proposal met all operational and regulatory standards.
AeroVironment welcomed the ruling, emphasizing that it reinforces confidence in the integrity of the Army’s procurement process and its thorough evaluation of operational needs.
“AV (AeroVironment) is proud to continue delivering these combat-proven, mission-critical Switchblade systems to meet the warfighter’s operational needs,” the company stated.
In September, Mistral announced its intention to file a petition to challenge the nearly $1-billion contract. However, it did not disclose the reasons behind its protest.
Despite the rejection, the challenge is expected to cause delays in the delivery of the loitering munitions to the US Army.
The Switchblade 600 loitering munition system delivers an unprecedented combination of precision, control and effects on target, addressing missions previously performed with ‘fire and forget’ legacy missile systems. Learn more: https://t.co/gRlMhqIhcE pic.twitter.com/hzMaEoTx8F
— AeroVironment (@aerovironment) November 16, 2023
‘Organic, Stand-Off Solution’
In August, the US Army selected AeroVironment to provide a stand-off capability against hardened targets, such as enemy tanks and armored vehicles.
These weapons are intended to be used by dismounted infantry units to defend against the threat of armored assets.
AeroVironment later revealed it would supply an undisclosed quantity of the Switchblade systems, which are designed to offer enhanced lethality against fortified targets.
With their ability to track and engage moving, non-line-of-sight targets precisely, the loitering munitions are poised to meet the Army’s evolving battlefield needs.
“AV remains steadfast in our commitment to fulfilling this important contract and upholding our mission to provide innovative, relevant, and effective capabilities to those who serve and defend freedom,” AeroVironment CEO Wahid Nawabi noted.
With the GAO’s decision, AeroVironment can now proceed with the production of the Switchblade systems.
