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US Army Tests PERCH 2.0 Abrams Switchblade Launcher to Fire Kamikaze Drones Under Armor
The US Army is evaluating PERCH 2.0, a launcher developed by General Dynamics Land Systems to fire Switchblade 300 loitering munitions from Abrams tanks while their crews remain under armor. The Precision Effects and Reconnaissance system packages launch canisters and operator interfaces on armored vehicles, providing a potential organic reconnaissance and precision-strike capability beyond direct gun engagement range. The Army has acquired prototypes for testing, and the concept has also been displayed for possible Stryker integration. Current activities concern demonstration and evaluation, not a fleet-wide decision to equip operational Abrams formations.