Ukraine awaits supplies of Switchblade 600 drones from US, says Reznikov
Ukraine is waiting for Switchblade 600 drones (Photo:Frame from MechDesignTV video)
Ukraine is expecting the delivery of Switchblade 600 drones from the United States, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said in an interview with U.S. newspaper Politico on Oct. 25.
Reznikov mentioned that the United States has promised to help Kyiv boost its stock of loitering munitions that can hover over a target before an operator guides it to impact.
The drone’s maker, AeroVironment, said this month the first shipment of 10 drones should arrive within weeks.
He notes that Iran has sold 2,400 drones to Russia in recent weeks, so “for this moment, I would say that Iranian drones are temporarily winning this competition,” Reznikov said.
The U.S. Army is poised to award a contract for ten Switchblade 600 kamikaze drones for Ukraine, U.S. outlet Defense News reported on Aug. 22.
The benefit of kamikaze drones is that they can be used for reconnaissance and strikes at the same time. The Switchblade 300 drones weigh 2.5 kg, can fly 10 kilometers and stay in the air for 15 minutes, while the heavier 600 version can fly 40 kilometers and stay in the air for 40 minutes.
Ukraine’s Armed Forces are already using Switchblade 300 drones.
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