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ConflictUS approves Switchblade drone sale to Greece
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The United States has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale of Switchblade loitering munitions to Greece, valued at an estimated $80.1 million. The sale, announced by the State Department, includes 350 Switchblade 300 Block 20 systems, 35 fire control systems, Switchblade 600 anti-armour munitions, and associated support equipment, training, and logistics. The State Department stated the sale supports US foreign policy by enhancing the security of NATO ally Greece, improving its ability to deter threats and increase interoperability with US forces. The principal contractor is AeroVironment of California. The notification to Congress is a standard procedural step and does not represent a final contract; quantities and costs may change during negotiations. Both Switchblade variants have been widely used in Ukraine since 2022.
Source report
The United States has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale of Switchblade loitering munitions to Greece, the U.S. State Department announced.
The department stated it had made a determination approving the sale and had notified Congress—the standard procedural step before such a deal can proceed. The estimated total cost is $80.1 million.
Requested Equipment
According to the notification, Greece has requested to purchase:
- 350 Switchblade 300 Block 20 Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile Systems
- 35 fire control systems
- Switchblade 600 munitions and their fire control systems
- Tactical and smart battery chargers
- Spares, training, and field service representative support
- Engineering, technical, and logistics support
Strategic Rationale
The State Department said the sale would support U.S. foreign policy and national security by improving the security of a NATO ally, which it described as a continuing force for political and economic stability in Europe. According to the department, the sale would:
- Improve Greece’s capability to deter current and future threats
- Support coalition operations
- Increase interoperability with the United States
The department added that Greece would have no difficulty absorbing the equipment and that the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region.
Contractor and Implementation
The principal contractor will be AeroVironment of Simi Valley, California. The department stated it was not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with the sale, and that implementation would not require the assignment of additional U.S. government or contractor representatives to Greece.
About the Switchblade Systems
- Switchblade 300: A man-portable loitering munition, this small tube-launched aircraft carries a warhead and is flown into its target, combining the roles of a reconnaissance drone and a guided weapon.
- Switchblade 600: An anti-armour variant with a heavier warhead and longer range.
Both types have been supplied in quantity to Ukraine since 2022 and have become among the more widely recognised examples of loitering munitions now reshaping ground combat.
Important Note
Foreign Military Sale notifications set out the maximum scope and value of a proposed deal and do not represent a concluded contract. The quantities and final cost can change during negotiations between the purchaser and the manufacturer. Congressional notification allows a set period for review before the sale advances.
Source
UK Defence JournalWestern
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US approves Switchblade drone sale to Greece