Switchblade developers have introduced a new strike drone that could already be in Ukraine

The American company AeroVironment, which produces the Switchblade 300 and Switchblade 600 combat drones already known in Ukraine, has introduced a new kamikaze drone, Red Dragon, which is capable of autonomously performing combat missions even without a GPS signal. This is reported by Defence Express with reference to The War Zone.

The main feature of the Red Dragon is its ability to independently detect and attack targets without the participation of an operator. Thanks to the optical homing head and visual navigation system, the drone can continue to perform its mission even in difficult electronic warfare conditions. The operator only sets the search zone, after which the Red Dragon independently identifies and attacks the target or accompanies it until receiving a command. The drone's flight range in autonomous mode reaches 400 km, and in operator control mode - 65 km.

The drone can be equipped with a 10 kg shaped charge warhead, electronic warfare systems and other payloads. Its maximum speed is 160 km/h and cruising speed is 90 km/h.

According to the manufacturer, Red Dragon has already been tested in combat conditions. High autonomy and efficiency make it promising for use in modern conflicts, in particular in Ukraine, where it may already be. AeroVironment plans to create an export version of this drone, which will not fall under the restrictions of international arms trade regulations.