Lithuania Receives First Switchblade 600 Loitering Munitions

Lithuania has received its first batch of AeroVironment Switchblade 600 loitering munitions, giving the Lithuanian Armed Forces a new precision-strike capability against armored targets.

The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence confirmed on October 7 that the first Switchblade 600 systems had reached military stocks. The United States-based AeroVironment supplies the weapons under a procurement agreement signed with the U.S. government in December 2022.

The delivery includes launch and control equipment alongside the loitering munitions, as well as a simulator for personnel training and a maintenance package.

Lithuania has not disclosed the number of Switchblade 600 munitions included in the first batch.

Lithuania signed a €45 million Switchblade contract

Lithuania signed the Switchblade 600 procurement agreement in December 2022 with an approximate value of €45 million.

At the time, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence said Lithuania was the first country outside the United States to acquire the Switchblade 600 system. The procurement included the munitions, launch and control equipment, training equipment and maintenance support.

The ministry described the system as a new deployable capability intended to engage tanks and other armored vehicles at distances of up to 40 kilometers.

Switchblade 600 combines electro-optical and infrared sensors with an anti-armor warhead and can remain airborne for more than 40 minutes before engaging a target. The system can also conduct top-attack engagements against armored vehicles.

AeroVironment lists Switchblade 600 as an extended-range loitering munition designed for precision strikes against hardened and armored targets.

Delivery strengthens Lithuania's growing U.S. weapons portfolio

The arrival of Switchblade 600 adds another U.S.-made weapon system to Lithuania's expanding inventory.

According to the Lithuanian defense ministry, the country has acquired approximately €2 billion in weapons and military equipment from the United States over the past three years. Current and recent programs include Javelin anti-tank missiles, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters, HIMARS rocket artillery systems and AMRAAM missiles for Lithuania's NASAMS air defense systems.

AeroVironment also confirmed in 2024 that Lithuania was among the allied customers receiving Switchblade systems through U.S. Foreign Military Sales orders alongside Romania and Sweden.

The Lithuanian procurement has taken longer to reach the delivery stage than initially expected. During a visit to AeroVironment's California facility in December 2023, Lithuanian officials said the Switchblade 600 systems were expected to arrive in 2024. The October 2026 announcement did not provide an explanation for the revised delivery schedule.

AdriaDefense previously reported on AeroVironment's growing footprint in Central and Eastern Europe, including Lithuania's early procurement of the Switchblade 600.

The October delivery now moves that procurement from contract and production into an operational acquisition phase for the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

What is the Switchblade 600?

Switchblade 600 is an anti-armor loitering munition produced by AeroVironment. It combines reconnaissance and targeting sensors with a precision-strike warhead and can remain airborne for more than 40 minutes.

How much did Lithuania pay for Switchblade 600?

Lithuania signed an approximately €45 million contract with the U.S. government in December 2022 covering Switchblade 600 systems, launch and control equipment, a training simulator and maintenance support.

How many Switchblade 600 systems has Lithuania received?

Lithuania confirmed that the first batch arrived on October 7, 2026, but the Ministry of National Defence did not disclose the number of munitions delivered.

Was Lithuania the first European customer?

Lithuania's Ministry of National Defence said when the contract was signed in 2022 that Lithuania was the first country outside the United States to acquire the Switchblade 600.