Lithuania purchases Switchblade 600 tactical radios and drones from the US
The Lithuanian Military Logistics Directorate has signed contracts with the United States to purchase Switchblade 600 drones and radios to equip the army.
Here's What We Know
The agreements provide for the purchase of Switchblade 600 drones from AeroVironment worth $7.8 million and handheld radios from L3Harris worth about $25 million. These investments are part of Lithuania's medium-term programme, which includes defence procurement from the US totalling $1.3 billion.
The Switchblade 600 is a vertical take-off drone that will be used by the Lithuanian military for fire control and related tasks. The delivery of these systems is scheduled for the end of 2025.
Switchblade 600. Illustration: AeroVironment
The radios will be integrated into existing JLTV light tactical vehicles and Vilkas-Boxer infantry fighting vehicles. The delivery schedule for these communications equipment has not yet been disclosed.
The procurement took place against the backdrop of Lithuania's strengthening defence capabilities. Earlier, the country purchased night combat equipment for soldiers worth €17 million. The Lithuanian Ministry of Defence also approved the purchase of more than 40 Leopard tanks from Germany to increase the number of armoured battalions.
In November 2024, Lithuania, together with the German company Rheinmetall, began construction of a $190 million ammunition plant. The government has also held talks with Taiwan and its partners on the possibility of jointly developing drones.
Source: KAM.lt
