By Anadolu staff
ANKARA (AA) - Taiwan plans to begin mass production of domestically designed kamikaze drones next year to what it said to defend the country against a “Chinese invasion,” local media reported.
Taipei’s Ministry of National Defense has allocated funds to mass produce loitering munitions since the number of kamikaze drones obtained from its longtime ally, the US, is considered insufficient for safeguarding the nation, local daily Taiwan News reported on Monday.
The US State Department last month announced that it had approved the sale of 720 Switchblade 300 Anti-Personnel and Anti-Armor Loitering Missile Systems and 291 ALTIUS 600M-V Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Taiwan.
However, due to "insufficient" arms supplies, Taiwan will begin mass production of domestically made attack drones.
In the Defense Ministry's 2025 budget, the country is expected to earmark amounts for Type-1 and Type-2 kamikaze drone production.
Also, the mass production plan for Chien Hsiang anti-radiation drones, listed under a special budget for improving sea and air combat capabilities, will be completed in 2025.
The Type-1 is designed for individual soldiers, with a flight time of about 15 minutes and a guided control range exceeding 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).
However, the Type-2 has a longer flight time than Type-1. The Type-2 can conduct beyond-visual-range reconnaissance and strikes using imagery, infrared, and microwave systems for targeting.
China considers Taiwan its “break away” province, while Taipei insists on its independence.