Taiwan signs contracts to purchase nearly 1,000 killer drones from the US

Taiwan has finalized contracts to procure close to 1,000 killer drones from the United States. These acquisitions, totaling NT$5.27 billion (US$163.9 million), include 685 Switchblade 300 loitering munitions and 291 Altius 600M-V anti-armour attack drones. These drones are scheduled for deployment in strategic locations across Taiwan and are set to enhance the island's asymmetric warfare capabilities amid escalating tensions with China. The Switchblade drones are expected by November 2029, while the Altius variants are planned for delivery by the end of 2027.

These purchases come on the heels of substantial joint combat exercises staged by the People’s Liberation Army around Taiwan as a response to perceived pro-independence actions by Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te. Taiwan's move towards acquiring advanced drone technology signals a shift towards bolstering its defense strategies with cost-effective, high-impact weaponry suitable for defending against a larger adversary like China.

In a recent statement, the National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology clarified that the Kestrel rockets developed by Taiwan target mobility systems of lightly armored vehicles and tanks, offering an effective range of 400 meters and the ability to penetrate up to 30 cm of armor. Moreover, plans are underway to develop a new variant capable of penetrating even heavier armor, showcasing Taiwan's proactive approach to enhancing its military defenses through innovative weapon systems. This mixed arsenal approach aligns well with the island's focus on preparing for asymmetric warfare scenarios effectively.

Furthermore, the U.S. has recently approved exports of advanced air defense missile systems to Taiwan, including the NASAMS network equipped with Air Intercept Missiles (AIM)-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles. This sale, valued at over US$1.16 billion, signifies NATO's goodwill gesture towards Taiwan and significantly bolsters the nation's defensive capabilities against emerging threats in the region. These systems provide critical air surveillance capabilities and counter jamming features, crucial for safeguarding vital installations like Taipei.

Amid these developments, Skydio, the largest drone manufacturer in the U.S., is facing a supply chain crisis after being sanctioned by Beijing for arms sales to Taiwan. The disruption in battery supplies has led to rationing, prompting the company to seek assistance from senior officials in resolving the issue.

Despite facing challenges, Taiwan remains steadfast in fortifying its defenses, recognizing the importance of self-reliance in ensuring its autonomy and resilience against external pressures.