In a strategic maneuver to fortify its defense capabilities, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense has allocated significant funds to the mass production of indigenous kamikaze drones. This decision comes in the wake of an internal assessment highlighting the insufficiency of U.S.-provided drones in countering the burgeoning Chinese military menace. The MND's initiative will see the mass production of Type-1 and Type-2 kamikaze drones, alongside the Chien Hsiang anti-radiation drones, by 2025.
The U.S. State Department's recent approval for the sale of 720 Switchblade 300 Anti-Personnel and Anti-Armor Loitering Missile Systems and 291 ALTIUS 600M-V Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Taiwan has been deemed inadequate by Taiwan's defense strategists. Despite this substantial procurement, the escalating Chinese threat necessitates a more robust and self-reliant defense mechanism. Consequently, Taiwan is accelerating the production of its own attack drones to complement and enhance its defensive arsenal.
Central to this initiative are the Type-1 and Type-2 kamikaze drones, which will be incorporated into the MND's 2025 budget. These loitering munitions are designed to provide rapid deployment and versatile attack capabilities against enemy targets. The Type-1 drone, developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, is engineered for individual soldier use, mirroring the specifications of the U.S. Switchblade 300. It boasts a flight time of approximately 15 minutes and a guided control range exceeding 10 kilometers, ensuring swift and precise strikes.
The Type-2 drone, offering a longer flight time than its predecessor, is equipped for beyond-visual-range reconnaissance and strikes. Utilizing advanced imagery, infrared, and microwave systems for targeting, the Type-2 can be deployed via flexible and mobile launch methods, including multi-launch devices mounted on ships or vehicles for coordinated swarm attacks. This adaptability enhances Taiwan's tactical options, ensuring a formidable response to any incursion.
Parallel to the development of kamikaze drones, the mass production plan for Chien Hsiang anti-radiation drones is also slated for completion in 2025. These drones, listed under a special budget aimed at augmenting sea and air combat capabilities, are designed to target and neutralize enemy radar stations and shipborne radars. The NCSIST is actively working on performance improvements for the Chien Hsiang series, with upgraded versions expected to be produced in small batches and included in the regular annual budget.
The Chien Hsiang drones represent a critical component of Taiwan's defensive strategy, offering precision targeting and disruption of enemy radar systems. Their deployment will significantly impair the adversary's surveillance and targeting capabilities, providing a strategic advantage in any potential conflict scenario.
The NCSIST's involvement in this initiative underscores Taiwan's commitment to advancing its technological prowess in unmanned aerial systems. By spearheading the development and enhancement of these drones, the NCSIST ensures that Taiwan remains at the forefront of drone technology, capable of countering sophisticated threats with cutting-edge solutions.
As Taiwan prepares to mass produce these advanced loitering munitions, the strategic landscape is poised for a significant shift. The integration of Type-1 and Type-2 kamikaze drones, along with the Chien Hsiang anti-radiation drones, will markedly enhance Taiwan's defense capabilities, providing a robust deterrent against any potential aggression. This initiative not only reinforces Taiwan's defense posture but also exemplifies the island's resolve to safeguard its sovereignty through technological innovation and strategic foresight.
