US Marine Corps tests JUMP 20-X drone paired with Switchblade 300 loitering munition

Published Jul 27, 02:58 PM UTC

The U.S. Marine Corps conducted a test in July 2026 at Twentynine Palms, California, where the 2nd Marine Regiment paired AeroVironment's JUMP 20-X medium-sized drone with the Switchblade 300 Block 20 loitering munition. This was the first regimental-level assessment of Group 3 unmanned aircraft systems, giving ground commanders long-range reconnaissance and strike capabilities beyond the short-range Group 1 drones currently used. The JUMP 20-X can stay airborne for up to 12 hours and carry a 30-pound payload. During the test, it launched a Switchblade that struck a target more than 15 miles away. AeroVironment personnel flew the drone as Marines observed, since the unit lacks trained Group 3 drone operators. The experiment coincides with the Marine Corps' creation of a new small drone training unit, highlighting the growing role of drones in modern warfare.