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U.S. and Taiwan join forces in debut of collaborative missile project

Taiwan reveals collaborative cruise missile prototype, produced with an American weapons manufacturer, aiming to bolster its weapons sector and deter potential military aggression from China, on-island production anticipated.

,   and  Administrator
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American and Taiwanese arms companies collaborate to introduce their inaugural jointly-developed...
American and Taiwanese arms companies collaborate to introduce their inaugural jointly-developed missile system.

U.S. and Taiwan join forces in debut of collaborative missile project

Taiwan Unveils Homegrown Missile at Defense Expo

Taiwan has showcased a new cruise missile, developed jointly with US arms maker Anduril Industries, at its largest defense expo. The missile, named the 'low-cost autonomous cruise missile,' is set to be manufactured on the island, marking a significant step in Taiwan's defense capabilities.

The unveiling comes amidst heightened tensions with China, with Taiwan aiming to increase defense spending to 5% of its GDP before 2030. This move is in response to the growing threat from China, which has been asserting its claim over Taiwan.

The missile, adapted from Anduril's Barracuda-500, can be used against targets at sea or on land. The cost per missile is expected to be approximately $216,000.

President of the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), Li, will sign two contracts and four memorandums of understanding with six US and Canadian companies during the defense trade show. This move is aimed at strengthening Taiwan's defense industry and supply chain, with the entire supply chain of the missile being in Taiwan.

Anduril founder Palmer Luckey visited Taiwan last month and praised the island's manufacturing capabilities and technological prowess. The American company Anduril Industries signed an agreement with Taiwan's NCSIST to jointly produce the Barracuda-500 rocket.

Meanwhile, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun has warned against 'external military interference' on Taiwan at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum. In his first call with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Dong condemned 'Cold War mentality, hegemonism and protectionism' and called for countries to stand up against 'bullying acts.' Dong also raised the issue of Taiwan, warning that any attempt to use the island to contain the USA is 'doomed to fail.'

The NCSIST aims to roll out the production line of the missile in the next year and a half. In addition to the missile, the NCSIST also displayed a prototype of an underwater drone and an underwater autonomous mobile mine, intended for joint development and production with Anduril.

Washington, Taiwan's main international backer and security guarantor, has been the primary supplier of weapons to Taipei. However, US deliveries have been slowed due to increased global demand for weapons. Despite this, the new missile project demonstrates Taiwan's determination to bolster its defense capabilities in the face of growing threats from the USA.

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