Switchblade 300

The AeroVironment Switchblade 300 is a man-portable tube-launched loitering munition ("kamikaze drone") used by the US military and provided to Ukraine. It is launched from a small tube, unfolds its wings in flight, and can loiter over a target area for up to 15 minutes before diving on a target. The warhead is equivalent to a 40 mm grenade.

Anti-personnel, light vehicle, crew-served weapon engagement at range Ukraine received Switchblade 300s in early US aid packages. The system is well-suited to Ukraine's war where dispersed Russian artillery and observation posts are high-value targets. The small size and man-portability allow infantry units to operate it without dedicated drone operator support at the platoon level. The Switchblade 600 (a larger anti-armour variant) was also provided, capable of engaging tanks.

Ukraine. First documented use in Ukraine: 2022-04.

Extremely portable — single soldier can carry and operate the system Loiter capability allows operator to wait for optimal engagement window Wave-off capability — operator can abort attack if situation changes Relatively low cost per engagement compared to missiles

Small warhead — ineffective against main battle tanks or well-protected vehicles Short range (10 km) compared to artillery or longer-range drones Vulnerable to electronic warfare / GPS jamming Single-use — each munition is consumed on engagement

The Switchblade 300 has a range of 10 km. US delivered hundreds of Switchblade 300s to Ukraine starting in April 2022 as part of early military aid packages. The system enables small Ukrainian units to engage targets beyond direct fire range, including enemy artillery crews, observation posts, and light vehicles.