Taipei: Defense Minister Wellington Koo announced that the first batch of Altius-600M attack drones purchased from the United States was delivered to Taiwan’s Army on Monday.

According to Focus Taiwan, Koo met with Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril Industries, the company responsible for manufacturing the drones. Koo expressed gratitude for the company’s rapid response in enhancing the military’s defensive and offensive capabilities. The Ministry of National Defense released a statement highlighting the Altius-600M’s capabilities, which include the ability to fire from various vehicles on land, air, or water, hover in the air for four hours, and travel up to 440 kilometers. The drones can scout battle zones, relay communications, counteract electronic warfare, and be equipped with high-explosive anti-tank missiles. Notably, they are both reusable and recyclable.

Koo emphasized the importance of drones on modern battlefields for scouting and communication, noting their indispensability for asymmetric warfare
. With increasing threats, the army continues to acquire reconnaissance and attack drones to bolster its defense capabilities. This recent delivery demonstrates the ongoing commitment to enhancing Taiwan’s military readiness.

Koo highlighted the significance of the Taiwan-U.S. partnership in addressing threats from the Chinese Communist Party and maintaining regional peace and stability. He affirmed that the army will persist in building up its asymmetric and resilient defense power.

The establishment of the Defense Innovation Office in February 2024 will play a crucial role in assessing new technology and products for inclusion in the army’s combat power plans. Koo also encouraged military personnel to adopt innovative approaches and embrace technological advancements to strengthen Taiwan’s deterrence capabilities.