Taiwan Seeks to Acquire 1,000 Attack Drones from the U.S.

Taiwan Signs Agreement with U.S. for Purchase of Nearly 1,000 Attack Drones

Taipei, Taiwan – In a significant move to bolster its defense capabilities, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense has entered into a formal agreement with the United States for the acquisition of nearly 1,000 attack drones. The deal, which includes the purchase of 291 ALTIUS 600M-V aerial systems and 720 Switchblade 300 loitering munitions, was signed “unannounced” in late September, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The U.S. State Department had previously approved the sale in June, with an estimated total value of $360 million. The ALTIUS drones account for approximately $300 million of the deal, while the Switchblade systems are projected to cost around $60.2 million. Additional contracts detailing specific quantities, dollar values, and delivery dates are expected to be finalized soon.

Experts suggest that this procurement emphasizes the lessons learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with both Taiwan and the U.S. adapting their defense strategies accordingly. Rear Admiral (Ret) Mark Montgomery, a senior director with the Foundation for Defence of Democracies who has visited Taiwan to assess its defense needs, stated, “These transactions demonstrate that both Taiwan and the U.S. are learning important lessons from the combat in Ukraine, and turning that knowledge into future procurement.”

The drones being acquired serve as highly effective unmanned aerial systems capable of delivering significant damage to enemy forces and equipment at a fraction of the cost of traditional military platforms. Both the ALTIUS and Switchblade systems have been utilized in the Ukraine war, offering Taiwan enhanced offensive capabilities should tensions rise with China.

The ALTIUS 600M-V is noted for its versatility, accommodating various seeker and warhead options, and can fly for up to four hours. In contrast, the Switchblade 300 is a precision-guided munition featuring a high-resolution camera suite, enabling swift and effective targeting. With a flight endurance of 15 minutes and the ability to be launched within two minutes from various platforms, the Switchblade is a valuable asset for rapid response capabilities.

As the geopolitical landscape in the Taiwan Strait continues to evolve, this drone acquisition marks a crucial step in enhancing Taiwan’s defense mechanism against possible threats.