WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Greece for Switchblade 300 Block 20 Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile Systems, with an estimated value of $80.1 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) formally notified the U.S. Congress of the proposed sale on July 16, 2026, allowing the process to move forward.
According to the U.S. government, Greece has requested 350 Switchblade 300 Block 20 (SB300B20) systems and 35 Fire Control Systems (FCS), along with related equipment, training, spare parts, logistics support, and technical assistance. The proposed acquisition will be carried out through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
The package also includes components for the Switchblade 600 system, tactical battery chargers for the Switchblade 300, smart chargers for the Switchblade 600, Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) Global Positioning System equipment, field service representative support, engineering assistance, operator training, and U.S. government and contractor technical and logistics support.
AeroVironment Inc., based in Simi Valley, California, will serve as the principal contractor for the proposed sale.
Switchblade 300 Block 20 Capabilities
The Switchblade 300 Block 20 is a lightweight, tube-launched loitering munition designed for use by small ground units. Compact enough to be carried in a soldier's backpack, the system can be deployed quickly to engage personnel, light vehicles, and other tactical targets.
The Block 20 variant offers more than 20 minutes of endurance and an operational range of up to 30 kilometers when used with an extended-range antenna. It is equipped with high-resolution electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors, allowing operators to receive live video and identify targets before engagement.
The system supports modular warheads, including fragmentation and Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) options, enabling it to engage different target types. It also features a wave-off capability, allowing operators to abort an attack before impact if the tactical situation changes or non-combatants are detected.
U.S. Assessment
According to the State Department, the proposed sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the defense capabilities of Greece, a NATO ally, and contributing to stability in Europe.
U.S. officials said the acquisition will improve Greece's ability to address current and future threats, participate in coalition operations, and increase interoperability with U.S. and allied forces. The department also stated that Greece is expected to integrate the systems into its armed forces without difficulty.
The U.S. government further noted that the proposed transfer will not alter the basic military balance in the region, will not require additional U.S. government or contractor personnel to be assigned to Greece, and will not affect U.S. defense readiness. Officials also said they are not aware of any offset agreements associated with the proposed sale.
Next Steps
State Department approval does not finalize the transaction. The approval authorizes the U.S. government to proceed with negotiations toward a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) between the United States and Greece. The final value of the agreement, delivery schedule, and other contractual terms will be determined during those negotiations.
The proposed purchase is part of Greece's ongoing effort to modernize its armed forces with advanced precision-strike and unmanned systems. The Switchblade family of loitering munitions has been used in multiple conflicts in recent years and is widely recognized for its portability, precision, and ability to provide small units with rapid tactical strike capability.
Source : state.gov
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