Ukraine strikes with Switchblade
Screenshot from video showing the first recorded Switchblade strike on a Russian target in Ukraine. (Image: Ukrainian Army 53rd Mechanized Brigade)
In what was apparently the first recorded use of Switchblade in Ukraine, drone video footage released on 6 May by the Ukrainian 53rd Mechanized Brigade showed an attack on a Russian machine gun position.
As reported by Shephard last month, the US has already approved the transfer of Switchblade 300 and extended-range Switchblade 600 loitering munitions to Ukraine as part of lethal aid assistance, and it has also trained Ukrainian soldiers to use them in their defence against the invading Russian forces.
Shephard Defence Insight calculates that Ukraine is receiving a total of 700 Switchblade 300s and ten Switchblade 600s.
Even more hardware for Switchblade loitering munitions will be produced for Ukraine by AeroVironment at its Simi Valley facility in California, the DoD revealed on 6 May.
Work on a $17.9 million contract modification (using FY2022 FMS funding for Ukraine) will be completed by 4 May 2023.
RELATED ARTICLES
Small skirmishes pose perfect opportunity for Switchblade success in Ukraine
AeroVironment independently donates Quantix Recon UAS to Ukraine
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Silent Sentinel to provide threat detection for UK MoD’s RPV programme
Silent Sentinel joins Phase 3 of the UK MoD’s RPV programme to provide the Mission Master UGV with sensors.
-
Kaman forecasts tenfold return on new KARGO expeditionary UAV
As development of Kaman's KARGO UAV continues at pace, the company is anticipating high demand based on interest from the USMC and talks with the US Air Force and US Army.
-
ReconRobotics aims to broaden Throwbot 2 capabilities
Plans are in place to expand the capabilities of the Throwbot 2 UGV to transport additional payloads.
-
Orbital UAV and Anduril sign MoU for uncrewed concepts and technical solutions
Orbital UAV will deliver a test engine to Anduril in the coming weeks for evaluation.
-
X-Fronter marks the spot for strike and reconnaissance missions
New mini-UAV from Polish manufacturer WB Group is designed for reconnaissance missions but it can also function as a loitering munition with small thermobaric, shaped charge or high-explosive warheads.