The Russian military first seized the Switchblade ‘killer UAV’ that the US provided aid to Ukraine

May 28, 2022 08:45 GMT+7

Accordingly, Russian war correspondents have published information that the Russian military first captured the US Switchblade 300 attack drone.

Drones of this type have been used many times by the Ukrainian military. Each Switchblade is a single-use drone because they are destroyed after striking the desired target.

According to experts, this drone has a rather high production cost, its use also poses a significant danger. The fact that the control system of the Switchblade drone is controlled through a special control station and any attempt to interfere with the operation of the drone by any technical means Anything else can lead to the drone self-destructing.

The Russian military first seized the Switchblade ‘killer drone’ that the United States provided aid to Ukraine. (Photo: Rusvesna)

“The Americans have clearly made sure that this drone does not fall into the wrong hands. To control the drone, a special station is required and it is reasonable to assume that the US has intercepted the control of the drone and in case of trying to gain access to it in an unauthorized way , that can even self-destruct,” said the expert.

Earlier, US officials on March 30 confirmed, the US had included 100 Switchblade killer drones in a huge arms aid package to Ukraine approved by President Joe Biden in early March.

In early April, according to Bloomberg, the new Switchblade-600 UAVs are part of a $300 million lethality aid announced by the Pentagon. Accordingly, this aid will be contracted directly from the manufacturer instead of withdrawing from the existing stockpiles.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on April 5 confirmed that anti-tank drones were among the weapons sent to Ukraine. “UAVs like the Switchblade have a high level of technology and give Ukraine more capacity to hit armored formations,” Austin said.

According to the manufacturer AeroVironment, the Switchblade-600 weighs 23 kg, can fly more than 39km and circle the target for 40 minutes before striking with an armor-piercing warhead. The operator uses the fire control system on the tablet computer.

While the Switchblade-300 versions are only 2.5 kg UAVs, designed to attack people and light vehicles. The Switchblade-300 can fly about 10 km and circle the target in 15 minutes.

Switchblade is equipped with cameras, navigation systems and guided explosives. These weapons can automatically attack targets kilometers away or can hover above the target until the operator strikes.

In addition, these weapons systems are considered cheaper than Hellfire missiles. According to NBC News, the Switchblade 300 is estimated to cost around $6,000.

Peace (translation summary)