The US Department of Defense has released an update on procurement to help secure Ukraine. Based on these data, Ukraine will soon receive larger and more powerful Switchblade 600 loitering ammunition, also known as kamikaze drones.
Recall that under the USAI program (Ukraine Security Assistance – assistance in ensuring the security of Ukraine), the US government purchases defense products directly from industry, in order to transfer them to Ukraine later. On September 20, the US Department of Defense published an updated document Ukraine Contracting Actions , which refers to the purchase of Switchblade 600 drones. The corresponding contract in the amount of $2.2 million was signed with AeroVironment on September 15, 2022.
Previously, Ukraine received a light version of the Switchblade 300 from the United States. It has a mass of 2.7 kg, a range of up to 10 km and an autonomy of 10 minutes. Such a drone is intended mainly for the destruction of enemy manpower.
Learn at the right time to expand the web interface, as it suits customers, and earn $ 1000
REGISTER!
At the same time, the Switchblade 600 is a larger solution. This drone already weighs 23 kg, has a range of 40 km and can stay in the air for up to 40 minutes. Thanks to a more powerful warhead, the Switchblade 600 can effectively destroy armored vehicles, including tanks. The drone is capable of attacking a target with a maximum speed of 185 km/h. To aim the drone at the target, a fire control system based on a tablet with a touch screen is designed. The possibility of both manual and autonomous control is confirmed.
It is not yet specified when the ordered Switchblade 600 drones will arrive in Ukraine for use at the front.
