The Biden admin. is considering providing Ukraine with U.S.-made killer drones—cutting edge guided missiles that could accurately target Russian tanks and artillery positions from miles away, two Congressional officials briefed on the matter tell NBCNews.
— cutting edge guided missiles that could accurately target Russian tanks and artillery positions from miles away, two Congressional officials briefed on the matter told NBC News.
The Switchblades are essentially robotic smart bombs, equipped with cameras, a guidance system and explosives. They can be programmed to automatically strike a target miles away, and they can be steered around an objective until the time is right to strike. The company says the 600 can fly for 40 minutes and up to 50 miles.
If the Switchblade was given to Ukraine, it could result in the most significant use of the weapon in combat to date. The U.S. military used the Switchblade in combat under limited circumstances in Afghanistan and elsewhere but has not publicized that fact, sources familiar with the matter have told NBC News.
Ukraine wanted help to bolster its electronic warfare efforts against Russia with “off-the-shelf” gear, including satellite navigation and communications-jamming equipment and ground-based communications to oversee drones, the sources said.It remains unclear if the Biden administration will approve some of the requests for weapons and equipment, including armed drones or anti-ship missiles.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Biden to sign budget bill with Ukraine aid but no virus cashHAPPENING NOW: The $1.5 trillion bill to fund the government for the current is being enacted five months behind schedule.
Read more »
Biden to talk Ukraine with NATO in Europe, White House saysBiden will meet with NATO and European leaders in Brussels on March 24.
Read more »
President Biden To Join Ukraine NATO Summit in Brussels Next WeekNATO leaders are convening in Brussels to discuss next steps in their support for Ukraine, and “deterrence & defense” for the nation.
Read more »
Biden signs budget bill with Ukraine aid but no virus cashWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed a bill providing $13.6 billion in additional military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine as part of a $1.5 trillion government spending measure that omits COVID-19 aid the White House says is urgently needed.
Read more »
McConnell Says Biden Administration Is ‘Dragging Its Heels’ on Aiding UkraineSenate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) criticized the Biden administration for 'dragging its heels' on helping Ukraine, ahead of [a planned address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky](https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraines-president-volodymyr-zelensky-to-address-congress-virtually-11
Read more »
Biden signs massive spending bill into law that dedicates billions to Ukraine aidPresident Joe Biden on Tuesday signed a massive spending bill into law that includes $13.6 billion in new aid to Ukraine, saying during a signing ceremony that the new assistance shows the United States is 'moving urgently to further augment the support to the brave people of Ukraine as they defend their country.'
Read more »