Ukraine debuts powerful Switchblade 600 in battle against Russia
Ukrainians are methodically working to eliminate Russian air defense and anti-drone systems. Western innovations, such as the Switchblade 600 drones, are employed in these efforts. Here are their capabilities.
3:56 PM EDT, October 29, 2024
The video below shows the first recording of an attack by the rare American Switchblade 600 drone on a Russian air defense system resembling the 9K331 Tor-M1 or 9K332 Tor-M2. This system is a very dangerous Russian system capable of targeting drones. However, despite the video's low quality, the Ukrainians caught the Tor on the move, as the detection radar appears to be folded.
Switchblade 600 - effectively a long-range FGM-148 Javelin
Ukraine received these drones in greater numbers in 2024, but unfortunately, photos or videos of their use are rare. The Switchblade 600 is designed for attacking armored vehicles or infantry groups, as it has significantly more firepower than the smaller Switchblade 300.
The Switchblade 600 drone is equipped with a dual-function warhead similar to that of the renowned FGM-148 Javelin. It can target even the most advanced Russian tanks, such as the T-90M, T-72B3M, or T-80BWM. In another mode, it can cover a significant area with a shrapnel barrage.
Structurally, these drones weigh 33 pounds and are launched from a launcher resembling a 7.6-inch mortar, bringing the total weight to 65 pounds. The drone's range can exceed 56 miles, although a signal amplifier is required for attacks over distances greater than 25 miles.
The drone maintains an encrypted connection to the base station, equipped with a dual-axis stabilized head, including a daytime and thermal camera. This feature is crucial and is unavailable in commercial drones. The manufacturer, AeroVironment, reports a flight time of over 40 minutes and a flight speed of 70 mph, which increases to 115 mph during an attack.
