Taiwan will procure 4 of the SkyGuardian UAVs developed by the US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.
Taiwan has ordered 4 SkyGuardian UAVs from the USA through FMS (Foreign Military Sales). The vehicles will be purchased by the US Air Force from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and sold to Taiwan. The order includes 4 UAVs, 2 ground control stations, spare parts and support equipment. The total value of the agreement signed between the two parties is approximately 217.6 million dollars. 107.4 million dollars of this amount is planned to be met from Taiwan’s foreign military sales funds. SkyGuardian UAVs are targeted to be delivered to Taiwan by 2025.
Continuing to take up arms against China’s aggressive policies, Taiwan observes Chinese military activities, especially in the South China Sea. Taiwan will be able to conduct more active intelligence and control flights in the region with the supplied UAVs,
Taiwan decided to procure MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAV
Taiwan had decided to procure the MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAV from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems in September 2022. In this context, Taiwan signed an agreement with the USA to procure 4 MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs worth 500 million dollars. According to the news of Taiwannews, Democratic Progressive Party Deputy Wang Ting-yu announced on Wednesday, August 31, that the Ministry of Defense signed the agreement after intense discussions between the two countries.
According to the official statement of the Taiwanese government, the contract signed between Taiwan and the USA entered in force on August 24, 2022. Furthermore, It is stated that the deliveries will begin in 2025 and will be completed in 2029. The contract also is known to cover the necessary maintenance, training and ground control station equipment.
