Lithuania to Acquire Long Range Switchblade 600 Loitering Drones

Lithuania wants to Switchblade 600 loitering munitions produced by American company AeroVironment.

“Yes, in the coming days, another contract with the manufacturer will be signed, in this case for the Switchblade 600. These are combat drones with an operational range of 40 km. And we will be the first country in the world except U.S. to acquire them next year,” Arvydas Anušauskas, Minister of Defense of Lithuania, was quoted as saying by Lithuanian public broadcaster, Lithuanian Radio and Television (LRT).

The Switchblade 600 has a powerful warhead similar to the American-made Javelin anti-tank missile, which allows it to destroy heavy armored vehicles, particularly tanks. This loitering munition, with a weight of 23 kg, is able to destroy targets through the top attack.

The drone can stay in the air for 40 minutes and travel 40 km during this time, as well as barrage in the air. The maximum flight speed is 185 km/h.

In addition, Lithuania acquired eight M142 HIMARS light multiple rocket launchers from Lockheed Martin for $495 million. HIMARS for Lithuania will be delivered together with several types of missiles, including M57 ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles, which can reach targets at a distance of 300 km.

Lithuania also signed a contract to purchase 18 French Caesar Mk II 155mm self-propelled howitzers.