Lethal “kamikaze” attack drones that detonate on impact have been purchased by the Federal Government in a move that will bolster the Australian Defence Force’s weaponry.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy is expected to announce the acquisition of the deadly Switchblade 300 this morning.
Known as a “loitering munition” the drones are designed to circle an area for up to 15 minutes until a target is identified, before attacking.
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Each unit is equipped with a camera and a warhead build into the drone’s fuselage, combining the capabilities of reconnaissance drones, with a precision-guided missile.
Small enough to fit in a backpack, they are tube-launched and easily operated by one soldier, allowing troops to stay hidden while hunting targets from a distance.
The disposable drones have been used with devastating effect by Ukrainian troops against Russian personnel and light vehicles.
Defence currently operates about 760 drones, most used for surveillance and intelligence gathering missions.
While some are capable of being armed, the Switchblade will be the first with built in munitions.
The government hasn’t revealed how many of the American-made Switchblades it’s buying, or how much it plans to spend, but each unit costs between US$60,000 and US$80,000.
“With autonomous weapon systems increasingly prevalent, the Defence Strategic Review made clear the new technology and asymmetric advantage are important priorities. That’s why the Government is taking action to enhance the ADF’s use of drones,” Defence Industry Minster Pat Conroy said.
The ADF is investing $10 billion in drone technology, trialling low-cost, expendable systems that can be mass produced, as well as highly advanced units able to operate in a variety of environments.
It’s understood Conroy will announce further purchases in the coming weeks, including one system developed in Australia.