GDLS unveils PERCH launcher for Switchblade drones on Abrams and Stryker, eyes wider allied integration

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 11, 2025 – General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) has unveiled the PERCH modular launcher, a side-mounted system that enables tanks and combat vehicles to fire AeroVironment Switchblade 300 and 600 loitering munitions. Debuted at AUSA 2025 in Washington, D.C. last month, the system has been built and tested on the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams and Stryker, with the company indicating potential integration on LAV and the British Army’s AJAX platforms.

PERCH: Modular, side-mounted loitering munition launcher

Designed as a containerized “drone-launched effect” mounted to the side of an armored vehicle, PERCH is configured to fire one Switchblade 600 and three Switchblade 300 loitering munitions. The concept gives armored formations an organic beyond-line-of-sight (BLoS) strike option, expanding their ability to locate and engage targets using the Switchblade’s electro-optical and infrared sensors.

While the U.S. Army has not yet procured PERCH, the capability aligns with ongoing U.S. defense priorities to enhance long-range precision fires and integrated air and missile defense. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has repeatedly stressed that existing resources are prioritised to improve long-range precision fires and air and missile defense including through the ‘Golden Dome’, among other capabilities.

Rapid vehicle integration highlighted by GDLS

GDLS emphasized quick, low-disruption fitment on current U.S. Army fleets, particularly the M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 and Stryker. Detailing the drop-in approach for Abrams, Geoff Norman, director for US strategy and growth at GDLS, said: “We’re able to remove a storage box that’s currently on the [Abrams] tank called a ‘loader sponson box’ [an external storage compartment at the back of the platform], pop that out with two bolts, drop this launcher canister in, and you’re off to the race,” Norman instructed.

The company’s integration roadmap also considers LAV and AJAX. Another GDLS representative, Mark Hu, manager for US business development, said interest from allied forces was strong at the Washington trade show and added: “given time and the right industry partners, we could adapt this powerful capability to other allied tanks and infantry combat vehicles.”

BLoS strike and layered air defense relevance

The Switchblade 300/600 family offers armored units a BLoS strike option, enabling vehicles to prosecute targets beyond the forward edge of contact without relying solely on external intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets. At AUSA, the PERCH module was displayed near the Pandur SHORAD system, highlighting potential applications in mobile short-range air defense concepts as a flexible, modular strike layer.

In parallel, AeroVironment has been working with commercial uncrewed systems provider GRANDSKY to formulate the Golden Dome limited area defense architecture, positioning Switchblade-equipped platforms as contributors to inner-layer defense concepts.

AJAX and LAV pathways, UK stance

The British Army’s AJAX program is approaching initial operating capability in December 2025, with a planned fleet of 589 vehicles. Although AJAX features an open digital architecture with power and weight margins for future upgrades, the UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment when asked about any interest in PERCH.

GDLS’s Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) family is already in service with Australia, Canada, Colombia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and the United States. Canada fields the LAV 6.0, while the LAV 6.0 Mk II-unveiled in May this year-is projected to enter service in 2027.

Key developments

• PERCH unveiled at AUSA 2025 in Washington, D.C. as a side-mounted, containerized launcher for Switchblade 300 and 600.
• Built and tested on M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams and Stryker; GDLS says integration feasible for LAV and AJAX.
• Offers BLoS strike capability to armored units; potential relevance to mobile SHORAD and layered air defense concepts.
• U.S. Army has not procured PERCH to date; allied interest reported by GDLS.
• AJAX IOC set for December 2025; 589 vehicles planned for the British Army.

What PERCH could change for armored formations

By embedding loitering munitions directly onto main battle tanks and infantry combat vehicles, GDLS aims to give crews organic precision engagement at standoff ranges, reduce sensor-to-shooter timelines, and strengthen multi-domain operations. The system’s modular, no-cut installation approach is designed to simplify adoption across existing vehicle fleets without major structural changes.

Conclusion

Status: PERCH remains a newly unveiled, non-procured capability for the U.S. Army, with testing completed on Abrams SEPv3 and Stryker and allied interest in potential integration on LAV and AJAX. Next steps are likely to focus on user evaluations, integration trials with partners, and alignment with evolving BLoS and layered air-defense requirements across U.S. and allied forces.