As Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the United States is anticipated next month, Taiwan has signed a contract to purchase new drones from the U.S. worth approximately 1.2 trillion won (approx. $870 million).

According to Taiwan's Liberty Times on the 27th, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense announced the winning bid results for the procurement of U.S.-made drones valued at 26.9 billion Taiwan dollars (approx. 1.2 trillion won) through the government electronic procurement network today.

According to the procurement list previously released by Taiwan's defense ministry, the newly introduced drones total 2,032 units, including 1,554 ALTIUS-700M attack suicide drones and 478 ALTIUS-600ISR reconnaissance drones.

The ALTIUS-700M, designed for anti-tank attacks, weighs 29.5 kg and has an endurance of about two hours when carrying a warhead.

The ALTIUS-600ISR, which will serve as "eyes in the sky," boasts a long endurance capability of 3.5 to 4 hours.

The Liberty Times explained that together with the ALTIUS-700M, they form a complete "kill chain" system combining reconnaissance and strike capabilities.

The approval amount for these drone systems previously announced by the U.S. side was approximately $1.1 billion (approx. 1.5 trillion won), and the winning bid amount (26.9 billion Taiwan dollars) posted on the electronic procurement network today covers the cost of the drone airframes and systems.

These next-generation drones are expected to be delivered starting in the fourth quarter of this year.

However, the full completion of deliveries is scheduled through June 2033.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense emphasized that in preparation for enemy threats surrounding the Taiwan Strait, the drone missile system will comprehensively strengthen national defense resilience.

This contract is a follow-up measure to the large-scale arms sales package for Taiwan approved by the U.S. last year.

The U.S. approved $11.1 billion (approx. 15.3 trillion won) in arms sales to Taiwan in December of last year.

Amidst these moves, China has continuously criticized Taiwan's efforts to increase its military power.

Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Defense, targeted the Lai Ching-te administration and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party during a regular press briefing today, stating, "They are recklessly squandering money gathered from the blood and sweat of the people and focusing solely on expanding military power, undermining public livelihood and welfare in Taiwan," and adding, "Ultimately, this will exhaust Taiwan's financial foundation, and (the Lai Ching-te authorities) will not be able to escape the outcome of ruin."

(Photo: Capture from the Office of the President of Taiwan, Yonhap News)