Army Seeks $121M in LASSO Program Funding for FY 2025

The U.S. Army has requested $120.6 million in fiscal year 2025 funding for the Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance program.

The LASSO program is a new initiative slated for FY 2025 that can provide surveillance and lethal strike capabilities for the Army’s Infantry Brigade Combat Team. According to the Army, the LASSO loitering munition, based on AeroVironment’s Switchblade 600, is designed as a lightweight, man-portable weapon that can operate in any lighting condition and be controlled semi-autonomously.

The LASSO system includes all-up rounds, a launch and delivery system, a fire control system with ground data links and terminals and other ancillary equipment.

The funding will allow the Army to procure 54 fire control units, 434 all-up rounds and 44 ISR components, DefenseScoop reported.

Loitering munitions, particularly the Switchblade 600, have garnered interest from lawmakers and the U.S. defense sector.

In February, several sources claimed that the Department of Defense and Congress would review the Switchblade 600 loitering drones under the Replicator program. According to the sources, the Switchblade 600 passed initial assessments during the Army’s Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions program. Pentagon officials have not provided official updates on the Replicator program.