It is reported on August 31st, that after bilateral negotiation, Taipei has officially signed a procurement contract with Washington to purchase four MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones for NT$16.88 billion ($555 million). The first MQ-9B will be delivered to Taiwan in 2025, and the full system setup is planned to complete by the end of 2029.
Taiwan’s military sources pointed out that the MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs) had a long operational range and aerial endurance, full time surveillance, reconnaissance and strike capabilities. The drone is also equipped with a transmission link system to support operations, deter the enemy and disrupt the enemy’s combat operations and its tempo. The military intended to spend NT$21.7 billion on the drones, including the construction of related systems, buildings for ground control stations, support equipment education and training, and procurement operations.
Military experts revealed that Teng Yun 2 Cloud Rider, a UAV domestically developed in Taiwan, has already had long-range flight capabilities, the future breakthrough in optical navigation and command and control functions would be necessary. Combining Teng Yun 2 with the MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs, the Taiwan Air Force is expected to significantly improve its long-term surveillance capabilities in the surrounding waters.
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