Taiwan may soon purchase 1000 Switchblade and ALTIUS 600M drones to fend off China

The Taiwanese Armed Forces intend to focus on the use of long-range kamikaze drones to enhance their defence capabilities in the event of possible aggression from China. That is why they will purchase almost 1000 of these drones.

Here's What We Know

In June, Taiwan received permission from the United States to purchase 291 ALTIUS 600M drone systems from Anduril Industries and 720 Switchblade 300 drones (including 101 launchers) from AeroVironment. Both systems are designed to enhance Taiwan's ability to conduct precision strikes on enemy positions and equipment over long distances, which is especially important for asymmetric defence against the potentially more numerous Chinese army.

To explain, ALTIUS 600M is a kamikaze drone with a range of up to 440 km, which can stay in the air for a long time and conduct reconnaissance before striking. The Switchblade 300, in turn, is designed to deliver targeted strikes at closer range (30 km) and is more portable, allowing it to be quickly deployed on the battlefield for rapid response.

The value of the deal to supply long-range kamikaze drones to the Taiwanese armed forces was set at $360 million. Although Taiwan received the initial approval for the purchase back in June, the deal is only now nearing finalisation.

According to Bloomberg, citing sources, the agreement could be signed in the coming days.

Source: Defence Express