When it comes to conflict and military operations, it’s hard to not to think about drones. The United States, though not the first to use them, pioneered the way drones were used in military operations during the mid 1990’s to early 2000’s. Drones like the famed MQ-1 Predator were integral in US military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Until recently, when many people heard of drones, they immediately thought of how Predators and Reapers, which cost millions of dollars each, are used in combat. Over the last decade, the world has learned that drones extend far beyond the scope of military applications. The FAA has reported that the commercial drone industry has seen 857,622 drones registered. And while the commercial drone industry is booming, the military still makes up a large portion of the industry.

In 2020, the US budgeted $3.7 billion for the development of drone systems, a number that is expected to increase to nearly $40 billion within the next 5 years. All branches of the US military use and invest in drones. The technology is developed by both military and private companies such as AeroVironment. Founded in 1971 by Paul B. MacCready out of Arlington, VA, AeroVironment is the top provider of drones to the Pentagon. They have become famous for small cost efficient drones like the Wasp, Puma, and Raven that have been revolutionizing how the military uses unmanned aerial vehicles.

On March 16, 2022, President Joe Biden announced that the US would be supplying Ukraine with a fleet of drones from AeroVironment to bolster defenses. Part of an $800 million package will be 100 of AeroVironment’s Switchblade drones. AeroVironment began developing the Switchblade series in 2011 with a $4.9 million contract from the US Army, and then an additional $5 million investment the following year. The Switchblade is a small weaponized drone that can fit in a backpack and be immediately deployed by a single operator. There are currently 2 models of the drone, the 300 and 600.

The Switchblade 300 is 19.5in long, weighs 5.5lbs, has a 6.2 mile or 15 minute operational range, and has a cruising speed of 63 mph. The 600 model is 51 in long, weighs 54lbs, has a 25 mile or 40 minute operational range, and has a cruising speed of 70 mph. Both drones are kamikaze devices, with the 300 ideal in hitting smaller precise targets, while the 600 can be used to target armored vehicles like tanks. The drones operate autonomously and can be equipped with a variety of payloads for offensive and defensive operations. And since the Switchblade is a single-use drone, keeping the cost down is the only way to make them viable. Each drone system costs around $6,000 compared to the $150,000 of a single Predator drone.

Since AeroVironment first began developing the Switchblade series of drones, they have received more than $15 million in funding. They have continued to upgrade the system by adding features like a switch-off that would allow an operator to abort a mission in the event of civilian involvement. The drone’s guiding system was also adjusted, enabling it to be launched from a moving vehicle like a tank or boat. The White House did not specify which Switchblade drones they would be sending to Ukraine. More than 30 nations have stepped up to help Ukraine defend itself from the Russian invasion. Drones like the Switchblade will be pivotal in Ukraine’s chance of success.