Taiwan Strengthens Defense: Acquires Over 1,000 Armed Drones from US Amid Rising Tensions with China
By Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
6 minutes read. Updated 1:30PM GMT Wed, June 19, 2024
In a significant move to enhance its defense capabilities, Taiwan is set to acquire more than 1,000 armed drones from the United States. The $360 million arms sale, approved by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), aims to bolster Taiwan’s asymmetrical warfare strategies, inspired by effective tactics observed in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Taiwan will receive 720 Switchblade missiles, along with fire control systems valued at $60.2 million. Additionally, the island nation will procure up to 291 Altius 600M loitering munitions and their supporting components, priced at $300 million. These systems are expected to significantly enhance Taiwan’s defense capabilities against increasing military pressure from China.
The sale is a response to China’s escalating military maneuvers around Taiwan, including extensive exercises and frequent warplane incursions near the island. China, governed by the Communist Party, claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve what it calls “reunification.”
The US, under the Taiwan Relations Act, is obligated to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, resulting in ongoing arms supplies despite China’s objections. In a recent speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Chinese Defense Minister Adm. Dong Jun criticized foreign arms sales to Taiwan, specifically targeting the US for its “illegal official contacts” with the island.
The Switchblade missile, resembling a small fixed-wing drone, is a lightweight, precision-guided weapon capable of being launched from multiple platforms within minutes. It can stay airborne for 20 minutes and has a range of 30 kilometers (18.6 miles). AeroVironment, the manufacturer, highlights its successful deployment in Ukraine’s defense against Russian forces.
The Altius 600M, a larger drone, offers versatility with multiple seeker and warhead options. It can be launched from land, air, and sea platforms, making it a valuable asset for both offensive and reconnaissance missions, according to its manufacturer, Anduril.
Taiwan’s presidential office expressed gratitude to the US for its continued security commitments. This acquisition marks the Biden administration’s 15th weapons sale to Taiwan since 2021. Presidential office spokeswoman Karen Kuo emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening its self-defense and asymmetrical warfare capabilities to uphold its democratic system and collaborate with like-minded nations.
“Taiwan will continue to enhance our deterrence capabilities and defend our democracy and freedom,” Kuo stated. “We will work with countries that share our ideals to safeguard the rules-based international order.”
This latest sale adds to a significant backlog of approved but undelivered US military equipment to Taiwan, amounting to over $19.6 billion. This includes $6.1 billion in asymmetrical weapon systems like Harpoon missiles, PAC-3 missile interceptors, and MQ-9B aerial drones.
Experts advocate for Taiwan to focus on asymmetrical weapons, deemed harder for China to counter in an invasion scenario. However, there is still some resistance within Taiwan’s military to fully embrace this strategy. The Cato Institutepoints out that a substantial portion of the backlog consists of expensive capabilities less likely to survive a conflict with China.
As Taiwan continues to fortify its defenses with advanced weaponry from the US, the island nation remains vigilant against the growing threat from China. The acquisition of these drones represents a critical step in Taiwan’s strategy to maintain its sovereignty and protect its democratic values.
For more detailed insights on international arms sales and their geopolitical implications, visit our international defense section.