One step closer to acquiring the loitering munitions type Switchblade 300 and 600 are the Greek armed forces after the introduction of supply to Special Standing Committee on Equipment Programs and Contracts her Parliament.
His political leadership Ministry of National Defense promotes this procurement following a recommendation from the general staffs, so that the elite units of the Special Warfare Command (SWM) in the first phase, as well as mounted units of the land army in Evros and the eastern Aegean, acquire a modern means of attack which has proven its worth on the war fronts of Ukraine.
According to information, two thirds (50 million) of the total of 75,200,000 for the supply of Switchblades will be covered through Foreign Military Financing (FMF) credits while the payment of the remaining 25 million will be made from national resources when the ammunition is received.
Modern weapons
Ordnance plays a leading role in all modern fields of military operations, enhancing the precision strike capability from relatively long distances, without immediate danger to the unit and without revealing its location. It’s basically about small drones that carry an explosive warhead and guided to the target by their operator.
The program for which the Greek armed forces are moving includes two versions of the mobile ammunition. The first concerns the short range Switchblade 300with a range approaching the 20 kilometers and small explosive charge, capable of being used against personnel and small targets without special armor.
The Greek army will also acquire the Switchblade 600, with a 40km range and an anti-tank warhead that can successfully engage armored targets such as TOMAs, tanks or fortified positions. Along with ammunition, the supply includes training simulators, handling units and an aftermarket support program.
The purchase of the Switchblades will be made through an interstate agreement with the United States (FMS), while, according to information, after the approval of the program by the equipment committee of the House, the matter will be referred to the Government National Security Council (GNSC) for a final decision decision.
On land and sea
The Switchblades will initially equip DEP special operations units, while the staff is considering their use by personnel on M-1117 reconnaissance vehicles or other light army vehicles in Evros and the islands. Still, there are thoughts about her mounting Switchblade launchers on naval units as wellsuch as unorthodox warships and Island-type patrol boats. In addition, the Mark V boats and the largest units of the fleet, such as gunboats, are expected to be equipped with Spike-type precision guided missile systems, which are expected to be delivered in the first months of 2025.
In the same period it is expected to work on the Apache prototype is complete which will be the “pilot” for the upgrade of the older AH-64A, so that they can be Spike NLOS carriers, while more information on the future equipment programs of the armed forces is to be given in October by the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, according to the presentation of the Long-Term Defense Equipment Planning (LTPP).
2024-09-17 14:17:23