Israel Requests 200 Switchblade Kamikaze Drones from US
The US administration is reviewing an Israeli procurement request for 200 Switchblade 600 kamikaze drones.
Jerusalem requested the Aerovironment loitering munitions along with other capabilities on or before October 30, Defense Scoop revealed, citing a Pentagon document.
The outlet claimed they have verified the report with multiple officials.
When the US will decide on the request is unclear, as is the potential delivery schedule.
Switchblade 600
A single person can launch the system from a set up within 10 minutes.
It has a loitering endurance of 40 minutes and can strike a target 40 kilometers (25 miles) away.
The 15-kilogram (33 pound) drone features high-precision optics and an anti-armor warhead to take out hardened targets.
“Equipped with class-leading, high-resolution EO/IR gimbaled sensors and advanced precision flight control, Switchblade 600 empowers the warfighter with quick and easy deployment via tube-launch, and the capability to fly, track and engage non-line-of-sight targets and armored vehicles with precision lethal effects without the need for external ISR or fires assets,” Aerovironment stated.
Recent Deliveries to Israel
It comes as the US has requested assistance of $14 billion for Israel from Congress, as the Israeli military gears up for a long siege of Gaza.
The assistance package includes 100 Iron Dome systems and 14,000 Tamir interceptors.
In addition, Washington has sent precision munitions to Israel and also plans to send munition guidance kits to the country.
