The United States sent 100 Switchblade drones in an arms package to Ukraine, a Pentagon official confirmed on Wednesday. Switchblade 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 flies to its target, crashes into its target, and detonates an explosive warhead. Celeste Wallander, assistant secretary of Defense for international security affairs, told lawmakers Wednesday that Ukrainian officials asked for drones to use against Russian forces. “We have committed 100 Switchblade tactical unmanned aerial systems to be delivered in the most recent package of presidential drawdown,” Wallander told the House Armed Services Committee. “We’ve heard the Ukrainians and we take that request very seriously,” she said. 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 …