The recent announcement by the U.S of committing USD 800 million in new military aid for Ukraine has garnered global attention. This aid includes a significant volume of high-tech weaponry such as 800 additional Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, 9,000 antitank weapons, and 100 tactical drones including Kamikaze or suicide drones. These unmanned aircraft are among the strategic assets being deployed by the U.S to bolster Ukraine’s combat against Russia.
Understanding Kamikaze Drones
Also known as Switchblade drones, these unmanned aircrafts are compact, yet heavily armed, defensive tools that carry explosives capable of delivering a precise and lethal blow to a specific target like a tank or group of armed troops. On impact, the drone explodes, causing damage to its target.
The name ‘Switchblade’ is derived from the drone’s unique feature, where its bladelike wings spring out upon launch. Besides their capability of evading traditional defence systems to strike targets, these drones also cost significantly less than their larger counterparts. Furthermore, their small size makes them difficult to detect on radar. These drones can be programmed to hit targets autonomously based on facial recognition, making them an advanced weapon in modern warfare.
Who Else Possesses Kamikaze Drones?
While the Kamikaze might be considered a high-grade variant in the world of drones, this technology is not exclusive to the U.S alone. Countries like Russia, China, Israel, Iran, and Turkey also posses their versions of these unmanned lethal machines.
Specifications of the Kamikaze Drone
Apart from being a sophisticated piece of military technology, the Switchblade drone possesses some remarkable features.
Weighing just five-and-a-half pounds, inclusive of its warhead, this drone can be conveniently carried in a backpack into the battlefield. It is capable of flying up to 7 miles to reach a target, making it a highly mobile and versatile weapon.
The drone is equipped with a unique feature that allows the operator to adjust its blast radius. This means targeted attacks can be controlled to limit unnecessary casualties. For instance, it can specifically take out the driver of a vehicle without harming the passengers. The blast radius of the weapon can be altered or “waived off” up to two seconds before impact.
Moreover, the Switchblade drone is also equipped with cameras that provide operators with a real-time video downlink. This gives them a comprehensive view of the area of operation seconds before impact. With a cruising speed of 63 miles per hour, this drone is not only lethal but also fast.
Other Applications of Drone Technology
Beyond military usage, drone technology has other practical applications in various fields. At the current level of technology, their usage extends to activities like spraying pesticides on crop fields, inspecting active volcanoes’ craters, and even collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis. These examples underscore the immense potential of drone technology beyond the battlefield.