TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology is developing a second type of loitering munition that enhances Taiwan’s precision strike capabilities.

The new weapon is an evolution of the Chien Hsiang anti-radiation loitering munition, per Liberty Times. It can be deployed from ships and vehicles and strike targets day or night.

According to NCSIST, the munition supports manual control and autonomous operations and features foldable wings for easy storage. It is equipped with a high-explosive warhead and contains an infrared imaging system. Once a specific target is selected, the munition locks on using an electro-optical seeker to execute a strike.

Former NCSIST Aeronautics Institute Director Chi Li-ping (齊立平) said the weapon allows for highly mobile and flexible deployment through multi-tube launcher boxes, enabling swarm attack operations. 

NCSIST revealed a loitering munition last week dubbed the “Taiwanese Switchblade,” which is easily carried and operated by soldiers. It is designed to target high-value and high-threat targets such as enemy personnel and vehicles. The Navy has placed orders for the loitering munition as final testing and verification are ongoing.