Ukraine to Receive Switchblade 600 Drones

Ukrainian armed forces are set to deploy more advanced Switchblade 600 kamikaze drones.

These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) enable the targeting and elimination of high-value assets situated behind the front lines. This development comes as the culmination of a shift from the widely-used Switchblade 300s to the more powerful Switchblade 600s, as reported by Newsweek.

The Vice President of Global Business Development and Marketing at AeroVironment, Charlie Dean, affirmed the pivotal role of the Switchblade 600 in bolstering Ukraine's defenses. He remarked, "The Switchblade 600 is tremendously important to the defense of Ukraine."

The United States has been a key ally in providing military support to Ukraine, with various types of drones being a crucial component of this aid package. Among them, the Switchblade and Phoenix Ghost loitering munitions have played an essential role in Ukrainian defense strategies.

While the exact quantity of Switchblade drones transferred by the Pentagon remains undisclosed, Dean noted, "The U.S. has furnished Ukraine with a very large number of Switchblade 300s," which have been swiftly deployed on the battlefield to fulfill their intended purposes.

The transitioning from Switchblade 300s to Switchblade 600s is already underway, as Dean announced that the more advanced drones are actively being delivered to Ukraine. The Switchblade 600 boasts an operational range of approximately 55 miles. According to Dean, this enhancement will enable Ukrainian operators to target and destroy vital Russian assets situated well behind enemy lines.

AeroVironment has been closely monitoring the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and maintains constant communication with Ukrainian Switchblade operators. This collaborative effort allows for rapid design improvements and adjustments, resulting in a continuous refinement of the drone's capabilities and performance.

Russian engineers are developing their own BAS-80 loitering munition, which reportedly seek to replicate the technical American Switchblade drones.