The United States is preparing to transfer powerful Switchblade 600 kamikaze drones to Ukraine
The US Army is ready to enter into a contract for the supply of longer-range and more powerful kamikaze drones to Ukraine.
Defense News writes about this, citing sources in the Pentagon.
A research and development contract for 10 Switchblade 600 drones made by AeroVironment is expected within the next 30 days, Pentagon spokeswoman Jessica Maxwell said in an email to Defense News.
The Pentagon has already sent Ukraine several versions of the Switchblade 300 with a shorter range and Phoenix Ghost. But observers say the Switchblade 600's anti-tank payload and longer airborne endurance would be an even better tool for identifying and targeting Russian troops and equipment during an expected Ukrainian counteroffensive near Kherson.
According to the manufacturer, the Switchblade 300 variant weighs 2,5 kg, can fly 10 kilometers and stay in the air for 15 minutes, while the Switchblade 600 version can fly 40 kilometers and stay in the air for 40 minutes.
It is unclear when exactly the Switchblade 600 will arrive in Ukraine.
According to the publication, part of the delay in delivering the Switchblade 600 to Ukraine is that it is still at the prototype stage and must undergo testing and evaluation.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon promised last week to send Ukraine the Insitu-made ScanEagle, a long-endurance, low-altitude reconnaissance drone designed to help target Ukrainian artillery.
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