Lithuania’s Defence Resources Agency under the ministry signed a contract this week for the acquisition of the Switchblade 600 combat drones from the US government, the Defence Ministry reported on December 23.
“The Switchblade 600 is a next-generation long-range combat drone, featuring high-precision optics, the ability to stay airborne for up to 40 minutes, and an effective anti-tank warhead capable of destroying heavy armoured vehicles including tanks,” Defence Minister Arvydas Anusauskas said in a press release.
“We are the first country in the world, after the US itself, to acquire the Switchblade 600,” he added. “These combat drones are a new redeployable capability that will give the Lithuanian Armed Forces the ability to destroy enemy tanks and other armoured vehicles up to 40 kilometres away. Our Armed Forces have never had such a capability before.”
The contract also included drone launching and control equipment, a simulator for personnel training, and a maintenance package. The total value of the contract is around $45 million (42.3 million euros).
The US will also hand over smaller and lighter Switchblade 300 combat drones to Lithuania. This is expected to be financed by the US Military Assistance Fund.
Last week, Lithuania also signed a $495-million contract with the US on the acquisition of High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers. (LRT/Business World Magazine)