A US defense company has unveiled a new autonomous modular drone that can handle surveillance, electronic warfare, communications relay, and strike missions in one system.
AeroVironment’s MAYHEM 10 uses a modular payload design for quick mission changes, adapting to battlefield conditions with both lethal and non-lethal capabilities.
The timing is important as MAYHEM 10 comes while the US Army is speeding up its use of launched systems to improve range, firepower, and survival in tough combat situations, according to reports.
“By integrating advanced autonomy, multi-domain payloads, and rapid adaptability, we empower our forces to sense, disrupt, and strike with precision—even in the most contested environments,” said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer at AeroVironment, in a statement.
MAYHEM 10 system builds on AeroVironment’s Switchblade drone family, with a focus on advanced autonomy, modular design, and long-range performance for high-risk environments.
The platform can carry a 10-pound (4.5 kg) payload, operate at ranges exceeding 62 miles (100 km), and remain airborne for up to 50 minutes. It can be assembled and launched in under five minutes, enabling rapid deployment.
Technically, MAYHEM 10 is built on a Modular Open Systems Approach, allowing quick upgrades and seamless integration of third-party payloads. According to the firm, it is controlled via the Tomahawk Grip controller and AV_Halo COMMAND interface, supporting coordinated swarm operations where multiple units can operate together to expand coverage and execute synchronized missions.
The system features a removable forward payload section for fast reconfiguration across roles such as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic warfare, decoy operations, communications relay, and precision strike. It can be deployed from air, ground, or maritime platforms, extending operational reach while reducing risk to personnel and high-value assets.
AeroVironment says AI-driven autonomy enables the system to function in contested environments, including areas affected by jamming, spoofing, or GPS denial. Secure communications rely on M-Code GPS, Silvus datalink, and a MANET mesh network, maintaining control links over distances of 15 to 25 miles (25 to 40 km). According to AV, its scalable, upgradeable architecture ensures adaptability to evolving mission and threat requirements.
AeroVironment is positioning MAYHEM 10 as a collaborative attack system rather than a single-use munition.
The company says it can be deployed individually or in coordinated groups to expand coverage, confuse defenses, and carry out multiple functions—such as ISR, electronic warfare, deception, and strike—within a single engagement. Its autonomy algorithms have been tested in laboratory conditions with Applied Intuition, while larger swarm flight demonstrations are still pending, reports Army Recognition.
The system is designed to extend combat capability without exposing personnel or concentrating high-value platforms. It can be launched from air, ground, or maritime units for missions such as scouting air-defense zones, tracking targets, or supporting strikes. The distributed approach allows different roles to be handled by multiple cooperating systems.
AeroVironment said MAYHEM 10 is engineered for scalable production of up to 240 units per month. Low-rate initial production is expected to begin this year, with output increasing based on demand. No formal Pentagon orders have been announced so far.
The system’s development aligns with broader US military efforts to expand the use of launched effects, including a recent $186 million order for next-generation Switchblade systems, indicating a shift toward more distributed and modular combat capabilities, reports Army Recognition.
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Jijo is an automotive and business journalist based in India. Armed with a BA in History (Honors) from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University, and a PG diploma in Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, he has worked for news agencies, national newspapers, and automotive magazines. In his spare time, he likes to go off-roading, engage in political discourse, travel, and teach languages.
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