Taiwan's Military Research Unit Unveils Small Kamikaze Drone Similar to US Switchblade

Taiwan has unveiled a new drone on March 14, 2023, that is similar to the U.S.-made AeroVironment Switchblade loitering munition.

Developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) the Taiwanese drone has a range of up to 10 kilometres and can fly for 15 minutes.

Described as a large grenade, It can be carried in a backpack and explodes a warhead when crashing into its target.

The drone can be launched from a tube and the targets could include high-value individuals, vehicles, and ships close to the shore.

The NCSIST unveiled the new drone at an event in Taipei today which also included 10 other drones, including the Albatross I already in production and prototypes of the Albatross II and the Cardinal III.

Like the U.S. made Switchblade, the latest Taiwan-made drone has wings that flip out once the projectile has left its launch tube, and can be remote-controlled and destroyed if the target disappears or moves to a crowded location.