Taiwan acquires first batch of Altius-600M loitering munitions

In 2024 Taiwan sought to procure as many as 291 Altius-600M UAVs. (Anduril UK)

Taiwan has taken delivery of the first batch of Anduril Altius-600M unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) loitering munitions that were on order for the Republic of China Army (RoCA), the country's Defence Minister, Wellington Koo, said on 4 August.

The acquisition follows Taiwan's 2024 request to the US government to procure 291 Altius-600M UAVs. Koo said the UAV will allow Taiwan's military to gain “immediate combat power” and enhance the army's ground defence and strike capabilities, according to a release by Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND).

The Altius-600M is designed to accommodate multiple seeker and warhead options. Weighing between nine and 12 kg (depending on payload weight), the munition also has a range of 440 km. Capable of being launched from multiple types of vehicles, including ground-based, airborne, and naval platforms, the Altius-600M can loiter in the air for over 4 h, according to information published by the company.

On 5 August Anduril said the delivery of the first tranche of loitering munitions was achieved “within six months of contract signature”. The quick execution of the contract required the building of the “Altius systems at financial risk”, the company said, adding that the “speed of delivery was made possible” by collaboration across Taiwan's MND and US government stakeholders.

While Taiwan's MND has not specified the value of the contract, Janes reported in 2024 that the proposed sale had an approximate value of USD300 million. This value included support equipment, training and sustainment, and support.

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