Taiwan will buy four MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones worth $555 million

Taiwan has agreed to purchase American MQ-9B SeaGuardian reconnaissance and strike drones.

Here's What We Know

The contract with General Atomics was signed on August 24, 2022. This was announced by Wang Ting-yu from the Democratic Progressive Party. Taiwan's armed forces will receive four drones worth NT$16.88 billion ($555 million).

The MQ-9B SeaGuardian will be deployed in Hualian County. In total, Taiwan will spend NT$21.7 billion ($710 million). The additional costs will be for infrastructure and control stations, as well as training for military personnel and the purchase of related equipment. The first drone will arrive in Taiwan in 2025, with the rest by the end of 2029.

The SeaGuardian is 11.7 meters long and has a 24-meter wingspan. The drone can carry payloads weighing more than 2,100 kg and has a maximum takeoff weight of 5,670 kg. In flight, the drone can reach a speed of 210 knots (390 km/h). The strike version of the UAV is equipped with high-precision guided missiles.

Source: Wang Ting-yu

Image: General Atomics

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