Greece to buy US drones, sources tell Reuters

Greece plans to buy Switchblade drones from the United States to further strengthen its armed forces as it recovers from a decade-long debt crisis, two sources said on Wednesday.

Athens has drafted a multi-billion, 10-year purchasing plan that includes acquiring up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the US and three frigates from France.

The Switchblade, made by AeroVironment, Inc., flies to a target and detonates. It has gained attention because the Ukrainian military is using them to strike Russian troops.

"We have selected the Switchblade type from the US," a Greek official with knowledge of the issue told Reuters. The source did not specify how many Athens would buy.

A second official said that the cost will be 75.2 million euros. The source said the chiefs of staff approved two types of Switchblade with a range of up to 20 km (12 miles) and up to 40...