---
title: "American M1A2 Abrams Tanks to Receive PERCH 2.0 System for Launching Kamikaze Drones"
description: "M1A2 Abrams tanks and Stryker vehicles will receive the PERCH 2.0 system to launch Switchblade drones from under armor, enabling target engagement beyond direct line-of-sight."
date: 2026-10-15T09:30:15.220Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/american-m1a2-abrams-tanks-to-receive-perch-20-system
tags: [m1a2-abrams, stryker, perch-20, switchblade, gdls, aerovironment, us-army]
author: "Roman V., Alexander Buran"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# American M1A2 Abrams Tanks to Receive PERCH 2.0 System for Launching Kamikaze Drones

![M1A2 Abrams tank equipped with the new PERCH 2.0 UAV launcher system](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/15/amerikanskie-tanki-m1a2-abrams-poluchat-sistemu-perch-20/amerikanskie-tanki-m1a2-abrams-poluchat-sistemu-perch-20-1.webp)

## Key Points

- M1A2 Abrams and Stryker to integrate PERCH 2.0 for launching Switchblade UAVs.
- The system enables launching drones directly from beneath armor protection.
- Delivery of the first four prototypes to Fort Hood is scheduled for late October 2026.
- The technology extends target engagement beyond the direct line-of-sight of the 120mm gun.

The American M1A2 Abrams main battle tank and Stryker armored vehicle will soon be equipped with the innovative PERCH 2.0 system. This development opens up new capabilities for the US ground forces, allowing crews to effectively counter modern battlefield threats by integrating loitering munitions directly onto armored vehicles.

### Innovative PERCH 2.0 Concept

The acronym PERCH 2.0 stands for Precision Effects & Reconnaissance, Canister-Housed. This canister-launched system is mounted onto vehicles without requiring any significant or destructive modifications to their standard chassis. Developed through a joint effort by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) and AeroVironment, this system combines advanced expertise in armored vehicles and unmanned aerial systems.

### Advantages and New Combat Capabilities

The main advantage of the system is the ability for the crew to launch Switchblade cruise missiles and drones from directly beneath the armor, entirely eliminating the need to leave a protected space and expose themselves to danger. For reconnaissance and monitoring tasks, PERCH 2.0 is equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors mounted on rotating gimbals, providing real-time video feeds for high situational awareness. This new technology enables vehicles to engage targets at significant distances, far beyond direct line-of-sight and the standard firing range of their conventional 120mm main gun.

### Testing and Delivery Plans

The upgraded reloading mechanism of the system was designed based on data from 2025 tests at Fort Hood, Texas. According to current reports, GDLS plans to deliver four PERCH 2.0 prototypes to the 1st Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division of the US Army at Fort Hood by the end of October 2026. Soldiers will install these systems on Abrams tanks for field testing under real operational conditions.

### Contradictory Data

During the analysis of open sources and specialized industry reports, certain discrepancies have been noted regarding the exact volumes and timeline of government contracts. Some sources indicate that the initiative was entirely funded through GDLS internal research and development budgets based on US Army feedback, while other reports confirm an official US Army contract for three additional prototypes in August under the Abrams technical support framework.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Танк M1A2 Abrams модернизирован и получил возможность использовать перехватчики, способные вести огонь за пределами прямой видимости.](https://www.vietnam.vn/ru/xe-tang-m1a2-abrams-nang-cap-hoa-luc-danh-chan-ngoai-tam-nhin) - Основной источник информации о спецификациях системы PERCH 2.0 и планах поставок.
- [На выставке AUSA 2025 представлена система PERCH для запуска БПЛА с танка M1A2 Abrams](https://overclockers.ru/blog/kosmos_news/show/241041/Na-vystavke-AUSA-2025-predstavlena-sistema-PERCH-dlya-zapuska-BPLA-s-tanka-M1A2-Abram) - Контекст выставки AUSA 2025 и предыстория разработки оригинальной версии системы.

## FAQ

### What is the PERCH 2.0 system?

It is a canister-housed launching system for deploying loitering munitions like Switchblade from armored vehicles without structural modifications.

### Which vehicles will be equipped with the new system?

US Army M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks and Stryker 8x8 armored combat vehicles.

### Which companies developed the PERCH 2.0 system?

The system was jointly developed by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) and AeroVironment.