TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Taiwan has taken delivery of its first batch of U.S.-made Altius-600M purpose-built loitering munitions from defense firm Anduril Industries, a significant step in modernizing and bolstering the island's asymmetric defense capabilities.
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, Minister Wellington Koo met on Tuesday with Anduril founder Palmer Luckey in Taipei following the drone handover. The meeting took place amid ongoing tensions in the Taiwan Strait and direct warnings from Beijing over U.S. arms transfers to the island.
During the meeting, Koo reaffirmed the Republic of China Armed Forces’ commitment to building what he described as “asymmetric and resilient” defense capabilities. The delivery of Altius-600M drones is part of a broader initiative to expand Taiwan’s ability to respond rapidly and flexibly to potential threats, particularly in scenarios where conventional force parity is not feasible.
Anduril and Its Response to Chinese Sanctions
Anduril, established in 2017 by Palmer Luckey and several former U.S. defense officials, has become known for leveraging artificial intelligence and autonomous technologies in support of national security. The company’s product line includes counter-drone systems, autonomous surveillance platforms, and advanced command and control architectures, many of which are now being considered or fielded by U.S. and allied forces.
The delivery comes despite escalating pressure from Beijing. In July 2024, China imposed sanctions on Anduril in response to the company’s participation in U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. The sanctions included visa bans on top executives, property freezes, and a prohibition on all business dealings within China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
In a direct response, Anduril issued a public statement saying, “Looks like we’re doing something right. We remain unwavering in our commitment to defending democracy across the globe.”
The Strategic Significance of the Altius-600M
Anduril’s presence in Taiwan’s defense ecosystem represents a notable step in U.S.-Taiwan defense cooperation. While the exact number of drones delivered has not been disclosed, the Altius-600M is a known loitering munition capable of precision engagement against mobile and fixed targets.
The drone has previously been deployed by the U.S. military for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and strike roles, and is valued for its portability, extended range, and modular payloads.
China has repeatedly warned both Washington and Taipei against expanding military ties. However, Taiwan has emphasized its right to self-defense and continues to pursue capabilities that would complicate any large-scale amphibious or air assault.
