Taiwan to Buy 2,032 ALTIUS Loitering Munitions from the United States

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has signed a fresh agreement with the United States of America (USA) for the procurement of thousands of ALTIUS loitering munitions. The official contract provides for 2,032 unmanned aerial systems at a total cost of 26.9 billion Taiwanese dollars, equivalent to roughly 850 million US dollars (USD). With this strategic procurement, the government in Taipei seeks to strengthen its asymmetric warfare capabilities and bolster regional security.

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The technology package comprises 1,554 ALTIUS-700M attack systems and 478 ALTIUS-600ISR units. Both platforms were designed by US firm Anduril Industries, which specialises in autonomous defence technologies. This acquisition, worth millions of dollars, underlines the Taiwanese Armed Forces’ priority of modernising their capabilities with next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles.

Advances in asymmetric defence programmes with the US

The latest order forms part of a military re-equipment programme already under way on the island. In December 2025, the US government approved a possible sale of thousands of ALTIUS 600 and 700 systems to Taiwanese forces. That initial deal was valued at an estimated 1.1 billion US dollars (USD) and was handled through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.

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Later, in March 2026, the Ministry of National Defense told the Legislative Yuan (LY) that it had received 291 ALTIUS-600M systems. Anduril Industries had begun delivering this particular batch in August 2025. The consignment arrived around 14 months after the first official notification of the agreement between the two countries.

ALTIUS-600M live-fire trials against maritime targets

Operational assessment of the unmanned systems took a clear step forward on 3 June 2026. On that day, the Republic of China Army (ROCA) carried out its first live-fire exercise with ALTIUS-600M loitering munitions against targets on the sea surface. Official reporting stated that the systems achieved a 100% hit rate throughout the training activity.

The trial included complex procedures to locate, identify and engage simulated targets in a coastal setting. It was organised by the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Battalion of the Republic of China Army’s 21st Artillery Command. During the exercise, named Tianma, personnel also launched FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missiles against maritime targets.

Technical specifications of the newly acquired variants

The ALTIUS-700M is the heavy attack variant included in the latest military contract. It weighs 29.5 kilograms and carries a warhead intended to destroy armoured vehicles and fortified ground positions. By contrast, the ALTIUS-600ISR is used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. This lighter version has an estimated endurance of between 3.5 and 4 operational hours.

The overall investment covers the drones themselves, associated control systems, launch equipment and the required logistical components. Under the official timetable, deliveries of the newly ordered systems will start in the fourth quarter of 2026. Distribution is nevertheless scheduled to continue until June 2033, enabling their gradual integration over the coming years.

Images for illustrative purposes only.