“With Switchblade 600 drones, the Lithuanian military gains a new strike capability,” Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas said. “They allow troops to quickly and very precisely destroy enemy armored vehicles from a safe distance.”
“Each such acquisition strengthens deterrence against the enemy and Lithuania’s security,” Kaunas said. “At the same time, this is another clear demonstration of the partnership between Lithuania and the United States.”
Lithuania is also purchasing launch and control equipment, a training simulator and a maintenance package. The ministry did not specify which version of the Switchblade 600 it received.
The Switchblade 600 uses electro-optical and infrared sensors to engage stationary or moving targets beyond the operator’s line of sight. Its anti-armor warhead can destroy heavy armored vehicles, with attacks carried out from above.
AeroVironment’s technical datasheet lists more than 40 minutes of flight endurance and a demonstrated target standoff range exceeding 60 kilometers. Engagement range can exceed 90 kilometers using the Forward Pass capability, which supports data link handoff and relay.
A touchscreen tablet allows operators to plan missions and control the munition. They can also call off an attack and recommit to a target.
The newer Switchblade 600 Block 2 offers 20% longer flight endurance and a range exceeding 100 kilometers. It also adds advanced avionics, precision targeting equipment and an additional payload compartment.
Block 2 combines processing supported by artificial intelligence and machine learning with automatic target recognition. It also incorporates GPS/GNSS navigation with an M-Code cryptographic module and Silvus mobile ad hoc network radios.
Those features are intended to improve situational awareness and keep command-and-control links functioning under electromagnetic interference and electronic warfare conditions. Block 2 also carries an IP67 protection rating for maritime applications.
Greece, Romania and Sweden have also opted to purchase Switchblade 600 systems. The munition has recently been integrated with the MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 unmanned combat aircraft.
Lithuania has purchased approximately €2 billion in U.S. weapons and equipment over the past three years, according to the ministry. It is the largest buyer of U.S. weapons among the Baltic states.
Its purchases include Javelin anti-tank missile systems, JLTV armored utility vehicles and Black Hawk helicopters. Lithuania also buys HIMARS rocket artillery systems and AMRAAM missiles for NASAMS medium-range air defense systems.
