TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) confirmed Tuesday that Taiwan has received the first batch of Altius-600M attack drones from US defense firm Anduril Industries, with delivery to the Army completed the same day, per CNA.
The Altius-600M is a versatile loitering munition capable of launching from land, sea, or air platforms. It has a range of 440 kilometers and can remain airborne for up to four hours. The drone supports a range of missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, communications relay, and signal jamming.
It can also be equipped with a warhead to strike armored vehicles. Its recoverable, reusable design adds further operational flexibility.
Koo met with Anduril Founder Palmer Luckey on Tuesday and said the procurement project began last year. He thanked the company for the on-time delivery and said the drones are expected to significantly enhance Taiwan’s ground defense and precision strike capabilities.
Drones have become a critical component of modern warfare, particularly in asymmetric conflict, Koo said. This type of warfare allows a weaker force to exploit the vulnerabilities of a stronger adversary through unconventional tactics.
He also noted that many startups are using rapid development and AI integration to build advanced weapons systems. Koo said the ministry is committed to modernizing the military and will continue expanding drone procurement.
The collaboration with Anduril marks a key step in strengthening Taiwan’s defense posture and contributes to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, he added.
Also on Tuesday, Luckey delivered a speech at the ministry’s lecture hall on military technological innovation in Taiwan. He stressed the importance of leveraging cutting-edge technology to bolster national security — a message that aligns with the ministry’s push for defense innovation.
In February 2024, the ministry launched a dedicated unit to collaborate with the private sector on next-generation systems, including drones, counter-drone technologies, and unmanned underwater vehicles — key components in building a credible deterrence.
On Monday, Luckey also spoke at National Taiwan University, where he highlighted Taiwan’s strengths in semiconductors, electronics, and advanced manufacturing as a foundation for a tech-driven defense industry.
He emphasized Taiwan’s vital role in global democratic defense and said the country has the talent, capital, and government backing needed to develop an autonomous and resilient defense ecosystem.
