On Tuesday, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology introduced five new killer drones to elevate Taiwan’s military capabilities. The highlight of the press conference is an indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle that measures up to the US-made Switchblade 300, a miniature loitering munition also known as a suicide drone.
The killer drone, designed and developed by the institute, is armed with a high-explosive warhead. It can stay airborne for more than fifteen minutes and cover a range of more than 10 kilometers. The new loitering munition fits into a backpack and takes out targets with high precision.
Institute research head Chi Li-ping (齊立平）told reporters that the killer drone is similar to a large grenade that can fly on its own.
The institute also introduced a new anti-radiation drone that’s designed to detect and destroy radio emission sources. Another new release was the Cardinal III, a surveillance drone that has vertical take-off and landing capabilities. The new drones are meant to strengthen Taiwan’s asymmetrical defense.
Chi adds that the institute is working on a system that would allow different aircrafts to exchange intel in combat. Taiwan is gearing up to make sure if cross-strait tensions lead to war, the country is ready to protect itself.