The military yesterday unveiled the nation’s indigenous close-range tactical uncrewed aerial vehicle during a battalion exercise in Kaohsiung.
It was the first public appearance of the drone developed by the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology.
The Third Combined Arms Battalion, 564th Armored Brigade carried out the anti-air assault exercise near an army base in Kaohsiung, with members of the media attending.
Photo: Daniel Ceng, AP
The drones — which resemble miniature helicopters — were utilized by a reconnaissance platoon in the battalion’s mortar company to detect and target enemy positions, the platoon’s second-in-command told a post-exercise news conference.
Real-time visual information provided by the system enables the battalion to engage opposing forces without a direct line of sight, he said, adding that the drones’ ease of use inspires confidence in troops.
Drone operators receive two weeks of training and undergo refresher courses once every two years, he said.
Photo: Daniel Ceng, AP
The 180cm long and 39cm wide drones have a maximum speed of 64kph and a service ceiling of 1,500m, and are capable of flying in Beaufort scale 6 winds, the army said in a statement.
The field exercise pitted the battalion’s armored and mechanized units against an opposing force portrayed by troops landing in Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters.
The purpose of the drill was to enhance the battalion’s ability to fight as an independent tactical unit, which requires mastery of command and control, field reconnaissance and surveillance, combined arms tactics, air defense and the use of fires, an army spokesperson said.
This week, the military is staging drills intended to reassure the public of its ability to counter China’s threats ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday.
Separately, the Ministry of National Defense posted a procurement notice to obtain 100AIM-X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles from the US at a cost of NT$2.4 billion (US$78.86 million), with delivery to be completed by late 2030.
The advanced heat-seeking missiles for Taiwan’s F-16 jets are part of a larger deal signed by a delegation from the armed forces and the American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto US embassy in Taipei, a ministry official said on condition of anonymity.
The transfer of the missiles, four tactical guidance units, spare parts and other related equipment was one of the three arms deals the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced in September last year, the official said.
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