Lithuania receives first batch of Switchblade 600 loitering munitions

Lithuania’s Armed Forces have received the first batch of Switchblade 600 loitering munitions from the US company AeroVironment, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence announced. The weapon can strike armoured vehicles, including tanks, from a safe distance.

“With the Switchblade 600, the Lithuanian army gains a new strike capability,” said Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas, adding that every such acquisition strengthens deterrence and is “yet another clear proof of cooperation between Lithuania and the US.” The country is also buying launch and control equipment, a training simulator and a support package. The ministry did not specify which version it received.

The system

The Switchblade 600 carries electro-optical and infrared sensors for fixed or moving targets beyond the operator’s line of sight, with an anti-armour warhead that strikes from above. According to AeroVironment, it has an endurance of more than 40 minutes and an engagement range of more than 40 kilometres, extending beyond 90 kilometres with Forward Pass control handover. The operator can abort the attack and retarget. The newer Block 2 version offers longer endurance, an engagement range of more than 100 kilometres, AI-assisted target recognition and Silvus radios for operation under electronic warfare.

Greece among the users

Greece, Romania and Sweden have also selected the Switchblade 600. For the Greek procurement, the US State Department approved the sale, with the aim of strengthening the fire-control zone on the islands and along the Evros border. Lithuania has bought about EUR 2 billion worth of US weapons and equipment in recent years.