This is a change from what a senior US defense official pointed out earlier, suggesting it was developed FOR Ukraine to fight Russia' ( Tweet). Phoenix Ghost tactical drone that will be provided to Ukraine was in development BEFORE Russia's invasion: Pentagon Archived from the original on 21 April 2022. 'Mysterious 'Phoenix Ghost' Suicide Drones Headed to Ukraine'. Archived from the original on 22 April 2022. 'Mystery drone: How the Air Force fast-tracked a new weapon for Ukraine'.

^ a b Hudson, Lee McLeary, Paul (21 April 2022).

Pentagon: 'Phoenix Ghost' Drones Would Benefit Ukraine.

^ 'Kyiv Asked for a New Kamikaze Drone to Fight Russia.

Operators Map of current Phoenix Ghost operators United States United States Air Force Ukraine Armed Forces of Ukraine (at least 120 systems delivered by early May 2022 with training also underway by May 2022) A further 1,100 were delivered as part of an aid package in early November. aid package announced in November 2022 included more than 1,100 Phoenix Ghosts. The Phoenix Ghost weapons were being provided to Ukraine via a new procurement by the United States, unlike the other weapons the US has provided to Ukraine in the early months following the invasion in February 2022. Īfter initially sending 120 in April, it was announced in July 2022 that another 580 Phoenix Ghosts would be delivered beginning the next month as part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). It was later revealed that the Phoenix Ghost was a project under the Big Safari weapons program. In April 2022, the United States Department of Defense stated that the Phoenix Ghost was developed before the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and that it was a 'close match' for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the battle of Donbas.

It has infrared sensors for night operations.

It is effective against medium-armored ground targets. The drone can loiter over an area for up to six hours, and can conduct surveillance. The Phoenix Ghost's primary purpose is to deliver an explosive munition to a human-selected target. According to a senior US defense official, it is broadly similar to the AeroVironment Switchblade. The Aevex Phoenix Ghost is a small aerial loitering munition (explosive drone) designed by American company Aevex Aerospace.

Phoenix drone pros