Taiwan is making waves with a new strategic partnership with the US, poised to develop an advanced underwater drone to bolster its defences amidst escalating tensions with China. The island’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology has sealed a groundbreaking deal with California’s Anduril Industries to co-produce the Barracuda-500, a state-of-the-art autonomous cruise missile.
This marks a significant step for Taiwan, enhancing its local manufacturing of weapons and ammunition, just when Beijing’s looming threats seem more pronounced. The Barracuda-500, showcased at the recent Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition, boasts remarkable capabilities, with a range stretching over 500 nautical miles and compatibility with an array of fighter jets and launch systems.
NCIST’s President Li Shih-chiang highlighted the initiative’s focus on self-sufficiency: “Our goal is to ensure we can produce every weapon necessary to defend ourselves.” The plan is to establish a robust local supply chain for these drones within 18 months, using exclusively Taiwanese components. Anduril has stressed the importance of “mass producibility” in this venture, aiming to boost sustainable local production capabilities.
This move is part of Taiwan’s broader effort to rein in defence spending, with the government planning a record NT$1 trillion defence budget to integrate advanced air defences and drone detection technologies. By 2030, defence expenditure is targeted to hit 5% of GDP, underscoring the island’s commitment to safeguarding its autonomy in an uncertain geopolitical landscape. Watch this space as Taiwan navigates these choppy waters with innovation and resilience!