Lithuania Receives First Batch of Switchblade 600 Combat Drones from the US

Lithuania's Ministry of Defence announced on Wednesday, 7 October, that the first batch of Switchblade 600 combat drones has been delivered to the country's Armed Forces from the United States.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said the unmanned aircraft give the Lithuanian military new offensive capabilities. They make it possible to destroy enemy armoured vehicles quickly and precisely from a safe distance. The minister also stressed that the acquisition strengthens national security and reflects the partnership between Lithuania and the US.

What the purchase includes

The drones are supplied by the American company AeroVironment. Along with the aircraft themselves, Lithuania is buying launch and control equipment, a training simulator for personnel and a maintenance kit. The contract for the purchase was signed in 2022.

Features of the drone

According to the ministry, the Switchblade 600 is a new-generation long-range combat unmanned aircraft. It carries high-precision optics and can stay airborne for up to 40 minutes. The drone has an effective anti-armour warhead capable of destroying heavily armoured vehicles, including tanks. It can strike a target from above.

Cooperation with the US

Over the past three years, Lithuania has bought weapons and military equipment from the US worth around two billion euros. It is the largest buyer of American weaponry among the Baltic states. The purchases include Javelin anti-armour missile systems, JLTV light tactical vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters, HIMARS rocket artillery systems, and AMRAAM missiles for NASAMS air defence systems.