By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
In a significant development, the U.S. State Department has approved the sale of advanced suicide drones to Taiwan, with deliveries expected between 2024 and 2025. The deal includes up to 720 Switchblade 300 loitering munitions and up to 291 ALTIUS 600M-V unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), valued at approximately $300 million. This package marks the 15th arms sale to Taiwan under the Biden administration, reflecting a consistent effort to enhance Taiwan’s military readiness.
According to an article in the Washingtonpost by Josh Rogin, U.S. Navy Adm. Samuel Paparo, the new head of the Indo-Pacific Command, recently outlined a new strategy termed “Hellscape.” This strategy involves deploying thousands of unmanned submarines, surface ships, and aerial drones to flood the Taiwan Strait in the event of a Chinese invasion. The goal is to create a hostile environment that delays Chinese advances and provides time for a coordinated defense by Taiwanese, U.S., and allied forces.
Adm. Paparo’s vision is to turn the Taiwan Strait into an “unmanned hellscape” using classified capabilities, thereby making any Chinese military operation exceedingly difficult and costly. This approach aligns with the broader U.S. strategy of using technological superiority to offset numerical and geographical disadvantages.
Switchblade 300 Loitering Munitions
The Switchblade 300, developed by AeroVironment, is a lightweight, portable loitering munition designed for precise strikes. Weighing about 2.5 kg, it can be deployed from a variety of platforms, including ground troops and vehicles. Its key features include:
- Range and Endurance: The Switchblade 300 has a range of 10 km and can loiter for up to 15 minutes.
- Precision Strike Capability: Equipped with high-resolution optics and GPS, it can target enemy positions with pinpoint accuracy, minimizing collateral damage.
- Portability: Its compact size allows for easy transport and rapid deployment by infantry units, enhancing operational flexibility.
ALTIUS 600M-V UAVs
The ALTIUS 600M-V, manufactured by Anduril Industries, is a versatile UAV designed for both reconnaissance and strike missions. Key specifications include:
- Range and Endurance: With a range of over 440 km and an endurance of more than 4 hours, it provides extensive coverage and sustained surveillance capabilities.
- Payload Flexibility: Capable of carrying various payloads, including sensors and munitions, it can adapt to a wide range of mission requirements.
- Stealth and Survivability: Its low acoustic signature and radar cross-section enhance its survivability in contested environments.
Taiwan’s acquisition of these advanced drones is a strategic move to bolster its multi-layered defense system. The Switchblade 300 and ALTIUS 600M-V complement Taiwan’s existing arsenal of precision-guided missiles, providing a layered approach to deterrence and defense. This multi-layered system integrates ground-based air defenses, long-range missiles, and now, loitering munitions and UAVs, creating a robust network capable of responding to various threats.
Mr. Young Bang, Principal Deputy, Asst. Secretary of the Army – Acquisition, Logistics & Technology talks to Warrior about new Army “Defend AI” plan
Furthermore, China has repeatedly criticized U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, accusing Washington of undermining the “One China” principle and escalating tensions in the region. Despite these criticisms, the U.S. continues to enhance Taiwan’s defensive capabilities. New Taiwanese defense chief Wellington Koo announced that the island would soon receive all 1,700 TOW 2B anti-tank missiles and 100 launchers procured from the U.S. These additional weapons systems further strengthen Taiwan’s ability to deter and respond to any potential aggression.
The ALTIUS 600M-V’s combination of range, endurance, and payload flexibility positions it favorably against competitors such as the General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle or the Bayraktar TB2. While the Gray Eagle offers greater endurance, the ALTIUS 600M-V’s modular design allows for a broader range of mission profiles. The Bayraktar TB2, though effective, does not match the ALTIUS 600M-V’s range and stealth capabilities, making the latter a more versatile choice for Taiwan’s defense strategy.
Taiwan’s integration of cutting-edge UAV technology underscores its commitment to maintaining a technological edge over potential adversaries. This acquisition not only strengthens Taiwan’s defense capabilities but also signals a broader trend towards the adoption of advanced unmanned systems in modern warfare. The use of AI-driven loitering munitions and versatile UAVs represents a shift towards more autonomous and precise combat operations.
