The United States is sending 100 Switchblade drones to Ukraine as part of an arms package, a Pentagon official confirmed on March 30. The drones, developed by AeroVironment, are a type of “loitering munition” that is lightweight and small enough to fit in a backpack. Launching from a tube, the Switchblade will fly into a target and detonate a small explosive warhead. Ukrainian officials asked for the drones to use against Russian forces, Celeste Wallander, assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, told lawmakers on March 30. “We have committed 100 Switchblade tactical unmanned aerial systems to be delivered in the most recent package of presidential drawdown,” she told the House Armed Services Committee. “We’ve heard the Ukrainians and we take that request very seriously.” About a week ago, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters that the weapons would arrive in Ukraine in the near future. He didn’t elaborate. AeroVironment’s website notes that there are …