Lithuania receives first batch of Switchblade 600 combat drones

Lithuania’s armed forces have received the first batch of Switchblade 600 combat drones, the Ministry of National Defence said on Wednesday, LRT reported.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said the drones would give the military a new strike capability, allowing troops to target enemy armoured vehicles quickly and precisely from a safe distance. He said the purchase would strengthen deterrence and Lithuania’s security, and demonstrate the country’s partnership with the United States.

The drones are supplied by US company AeroVironment. The purchase also includes launch and control equipment, a training simulator and maintenance support.

The ministry describes the Switchblade 600 as a long-range combat drone that can remain airborne for up to 40 minutes. It has precision optics and an anti-tank warhead designed to destroy heavily armoured vehicles, including tanks. The drone can attack targets from above.

The contract was signed in late 2022, BNS reported. Over the past three years, Lithuania has bought about 2 billion euros’ worth of weapons and equipment from the United States, making it the largest US arms buyer in the Baltic states. Its purchases include Javelin anti-tank missile systems, JLTV armoured vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters, HIMARS rocket artillery systems and AMRAAM missiles for NASAMS medium-range air defence systems.