The journalist said one darknet marketplace had a Phoenix Ghost loitering munition listed for $4,000...
Poster Comment:
The Phoenix Ghost is produced by the California-based Aevex Aerospace and was designed to help the Ukrainian military confront Russia in the Donbas region, according to Kirby. The 645th Aeronautical Systems Group led the effort to create the Phoenix Ghost for Ukraine, according to Defense Department officials.
Phoenix Ghosts are part drones, part missiles. How does that change combat?
This previously unknown, one-time-use weapon is designed primarily to attack targets, though it is also capable of conducting non-lethal missions...
Kirby likened the drone to the AeroVironment Switchblade—a loitering munition. Such weapons combine the maneuverability, usability, and flight time of a drone with the lethal effects of a missile...
The Phoenix Ghost can take off vertically and operate at night, according to Politico. It is also reportedly capable of attacking medium-armored targets and flying for six hours or more. If true, the Phoenix Ghost may be among the largest loitering munitions, one able to carry enough fuel and payload to target far-away armored vehicles.
In addition to the Phoenix Ghosts, the United States is sending more than 700 Switchblade loitering munitions to Ukraine. These orders appear to be for the lightweight Switchblade 300, though they may include the Switchblade 600—a heavier variant with a larger warhead, according to Bloomberg.
https://thebulletin.org/2022/06/phoenix-ghosts-are-part-drones-part-missiles-how-does-that-change-combat/
This would be an excellent weapon for a Drug Cartel wishing to eliminate a witness or a prosecutor. Cheap at $4,000 per target.