‘Suicide drone’ to be tested in July for potential useStaff writer, with CNAA domestically developed “suicide drone,” also known as a loitering munition, would be tested and evaluated in July, and could enter mass production next year, Taiwan’s weapons developer said on Wednesday. The yet-to-be-named drone was among nine drone models unveiled by the National Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) on Tuesday. The drone has been dubbed the “Taiwanese switchblade” by Chinese-language media, due to its similarity to the US-made AeroVironment Switchblade 300, which has been used by Ukraine in counterattacks during Russia’s invasion. A domestically developed loitering munition, or “suicide drone,” similar to the US-made AeroVironment Switchblade 300, is pictured at the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology on Tuesday. A manufacturing project and a program to train drone pilots are being planned by the navy, Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-chen (邱國正) said.

Source: Taipei Times March 19, 2023 04:01 UTC