The Australian government is set to enhance its military capabilities by acquiring Switchblade 300 drones from the American company AeroVironment, a type of precision loitering munition effectively used by Ukrainian forces. The announcement, scheduled by the Albanese government for Monday, marks a significant step in modernizing the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with advanced unmanned systems.
The Switchblade 300 is noted for its lightweight design and ability to carry an explosive payload, making it highly portable for military operations. The drone has a range of approximately 10 kilometers and has gained attention for its use on the Ukrainian battlefield against Russian forces. Manufactured by AeroVironment, the Switchblade 300 employs a strike missile capable of engaging targets beyond the line of sight, enhancing the tactical flexibility of the forces using it.
While details on the quantity and total cost of the Switchblade 300 drones remain undisclosed, prices are estimated to be between about $90,000 and $120,000 each. This purchase aligns with recent international defense trends, as Washington recently approved a substantial sale of the same model to Taiwan and has supplied them to other allies, including Ukraine, France, and the UK following the onset of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022.
In addition to the Switchblade 300, the Australian Army is also preparing to introduce a locally made, electrically powered loitering munition capable of traveling up to 200 kilometers or loitering for 30 minutes with a lethal payload. However, defense sources suggest that this domestic drone will likely enter service after the Switchblade 300.