Agreement signed: American company plans to produce Switchblade 600 ammunition in Ukraine

The American company AeroVironment has signed an agreement with a Ukrainian partner to localize the production of Switchblade 600 ammunition in Ukraine. The agreement was signed during the International Defense Industries Forum held in Kyiv.

The Ukrainian signatory company is not named for security reasons. This was reported by the Militarny portal.

According to Brett Hash, Senior Vice President and General Manager of AeroVironment's Barrage Strike Systems Division, cooperation with the Ukrainian company will be conducted in stages.

The first stage will involve the supply of ammunition subsystems, followed by gradual integration and localization of production. This process is planned to be improved over time to increase efficiency and product quality.

The contract is expected to be finalized within nine months after receiving approval from the US government. According to preliminary forecasts, production could reach several thousand Switchblade 600 units per year.

The Ukrainian military is already using this barrage munition in combat operations, in particular, to engage expensive and complex targets such as Russia's "Pantsyr" and S-300 air defense systems.

Brett Hash noted that Ukrainian defenders are using the Switchblade 600 much more effectively than was originally envisioned. Initially, this weapon was designed to engage moving targets and irregular warfare, but the Ukrainians have adapted it to combat high-value enemy targets.

"There are some impressive videos in open sources. I think it's really important that although it is an anti-tank missile, the same one used in the Javelin, it is not used in Ukraine against tanks. The Russians can replace tanks regularly. But they can't replace expensive air defense systems because they have a limited number of technicians to work with the electronics," said Brett Hash.

AeroVironment is also working on simplifying the operation of ammunition, taking into account feedback from Ukrainian military units. Although some of them expressed different opinions about the effectiveness, the company is convinced that the result can be improved through training, which should be conducted directly in Ukraine.

Currently, according to U.S. policy, training for Ukrainian operators is conducted outside the country, particularly in Poland. However, AeroVironment is trying to get permission to conduct training directly in Ukraine, which would allow it to improve the skills of the military and respond quickly to their needs.

"We are trying to lobby our government to get permission for instructors to come to Ukraine. I have a few people now, but they cannot teach. They can only listen and get feedback. I think it will make a big difference if we simplify the process," added Brett Hash.

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