Pentagon prepares contract for Switchblade 600 strike UAV

The US Department of Defense is preparing to conduct a research and development contract for Switchblade 600 UCAVs.

This was announced in response to a letter from the military portal “Defense News” by Pentagon spokeswoman Jessica Maxwell.

In particular, Pentagon spokeswoman Jessica Maxwell noted that the contract for the first 10 Switchblade 600 kamikaze drones with AeroVironment will be signed within a month.

According to the “Defense News”, partly the lag in getting the Switchblade 600 to Ukraine is because it’s not considered a fielded capability and because it’s still in prototype phase, must complete testing and evaluation.

The media, citing Jessica Maxwell, supposes the delivery date will be set once the contract is finalized.

It is currently unknown exactly when Ukraine will receive these drones.

The US has previously handed over barrage shells to Ukraine those that are capable of being in the air for a certain time before hitting the target.

These include smaller Switchblade 300 and Phoenix Ghost drones.

Switchblade 600

The Switchblade 600 has a type anti-tank warhead and can destroy heavy armored vehicles, in particular tanks.

This loitering munition is much heavier than its “little brother” with a weight of 23 kg, it is able to destroy targets with an attack “from above.”

The time spent in the air is 40 minutes, during which it can cover 40 km, as well as ram in the air.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XInLO6LGHbo

The maximum attack speed is 185 km/h.

Presumably, UCAVs will be transferred to Ukraine as part of an additional package of military assistance.