Developed for Ukraine
The United States will deliver a new type of mini-drone to Kyiv
04/21/2022, 10:15 p.m
In order to be prepared for the expected major offensive in the Donbass, Washington is delivering a new drone to the government in Kyiv. According to the Pentagon, the “Phoenix Ghost” was specially developed for Ukraine and is intended to resemble the “Switchblade”, which is already in use in the war zone.
The US has developed a drone for the Ukrainian military, according to the Pentagon. “This was quickly developed by the Air Force specifically in response to Ukrainian requirements,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said. More than 120 of the drones, dubbed “Phoenix Ghost,” are to be shipped to Ukraine as part of the US government’s new $800 million military aid package. Kirby said minimal training is required to operate the drone. “We will clarify these training requirements directly with the Ukrainian Armed Forces.”
The new drone is similar to the so-called “Switchblade” drones. The “Switchblades” are mini drones and initially start without a target. They can then circle above the ground for a long time in order to lurk and attack a target there. They then destroy themselves. A backpack is sufficient to transport the drone. The US government had also provided “switchblades” to Ukraine.
The Phoenix Ghost drones have similar capabilities but aren’t exactly the same, Kirby said. The Pentagon spokesman gave no further information on the production of the new drones. The Air Force developed it together with the aerospace company Aevex Aerospace, it was only said. A senior Pentagon official was unable to say how the new drone got its name. But she is a good example of how to adapt to the needs of Ukraine in real time.
In addition to the new drones, the new US armament package also includes heavy artillery weapons and dozens of howitzers along with ammunition. The arms deliveries are intended to support the Ukrainian army in the fight against Russia in the Donbass, Biden said after a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal in Washington.