The United States has approved Taiwan’s request to purchase loitering munition systems.
The proposed foreign military sale, estimated to be worth $60.2 million, will supply Taipei with AeroVironment’s Switchblade 300 advanced weapon system to strengthen the East Asian nation’s capability to defend itself against regional threats.
The Switchblade 300 can be transported in a backpack and rapidly deployed on land and in and out of vehicles.
Its latest version, the Switchblade 300 Block 20, offers alternative warheads, longer flight endurance, and expanded target attack angle and radio link range.
AeroVironment said the technology is battle-proven and is used by militaries around the world, including the U.S. Army.
“We have proven in steady combat against modern enemies that Switchblade 300 provides forces a competitive edge on the battlefield, introducing precise, long-range fires well beyond their current capabilities,” said Brett Hush, senior vice president and general manager for loitering munition systems at AeroVironment.
Taiwan’s purchase of loitering munition systems, also known as suicide drones, comes as China increases its military presence around the island.
In June, photos of a Chinese nuclear submarine in the Taiwan Strait surfaced online.
