IRPIN,UKRAINE – MARCH 6: Ukrainian soldiers on the collapsed bridge that crosses the Irpin River aim for a suspected Russian observation drone on March 6, 2022 in Irpin, Ukraine. (Laurent Van der Stockt for Le Monde/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON: The latest $800 million arms package for Ukraine includes a unique new item — the Phoenix Ghost tactical drone, a never-before revealed system designed by the US Air Force and tailored specifically to meet the battlefield needs of the Ukrainian military.
The United States will provide more than 121 Phoenix Ghost Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems, which are manufactured by AEVEX Aerospace, the Pentagon announced today.
“The Phoenix Ghost is, this was rapidly developed by the Air Force, in response, specifically, to Ukrainian requirements,” a senior defense official told reporters. “This is a great example of adapting to their needs in real time.”
The Phoenix Ghost is similar to the Switchblade unmanned systems previously delivered to Ukraine, the official said, in that it is a “one way drone” that is “clearly designed to give a punch” to a number of different types of targets. This likely means that Phoenix Ghost is a low-cost, si
