'U.S. Drones for Ukraine Will Include Latest Tank Killers'
The Pentagon plans to order and send to Ukraine 10 of the newest model Switchblade drones armed with tank-busting warheads in addition to previously announced deliveries of a less powerful version, according to two people familiar with the decision.
The new Switchblade-600 weapons are part of $300 million in lethal military assistance announced by the Pentagon Friday night that will be contracted directly from industry instead of drawn from existing stocks, according to the people, who asked not to identified discussing the plan.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday confirmed the tank-killing drones are part of the weaponry being sent to Ukraine.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-04/u-s-switchblade-drones-for-ukraine-will-include-tank-killers
This is becoming a problem.
Are there enough US stocks to meet the demand and still supply the UA? How fast can manufactures ramp up production? What is the condition of the parts suppliers? What will be the cost of these newer weapons, as the ones shipped are from the first batches produced at a lower cost.
“As Ukraine Pummels Russians With Javelin Missiles, Can Production Keep Pace With Demand?”
The delivery of thousands of Javelin missiles, as well as Stingers, to Ukraine has raised critical questions about production capacity.
By Howard Altman and Joseph Trevithick April 7, 2022
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/45132/as-ukraine-pummels-russians-with-javelin-missiles-can-production-keep-pace-with-demand
>10 of the newest model Switchblade drones
There was a correction saying they’re sending 10 “Switchblade systems” each containing 10 drones.
Still not enough, but at least not a pitiful 10 drones.