Taiwan to Acquire Over 1000 Armed Drones

The United States has approved the sale of over 1000 small armed drones to Taiwan worth $360 million, as the self-governing island, claimed by China, aims to strengthen its capabilities in asymmetric warfare, taking into account the successful tactics used on the battlefield in Ukraine.

According to a press release from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) published on Tuesday, Taiwan will receive 720 Switchblade missiles and fire control systems valued at $60.2 million.

Additionally, the U.S. will provide Taiwan with up to 291 Altius 600m weapon stockpiles and support components, totaling $300 million. The proposed sale comes amid heightened military pressure from China on Taiwan, which includes large-scale military exercises and almost daily flights of military aircraft near the island.

China’s ruling Communist Party considers the democratic Taiwan to be its own, despite never having controlled it, and has vowed to “reunify” the island, using force if necessary.