TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The U.S. State Department Tuesday (June 18) approved the possible Foreign Military Sale of US$360.2 million (NT$11.6 billion) worth of two loitering munitions systems to Taiwan.

The State Department said it approved the sale of 720 Switchblade 300 Anti-Personnel and Anti-Armor Loitering Missile Systems and related equipment for an estimated cost of $60.2 million. A second statement announced the sale of 291 ALTIUS 600M-V Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and related equipment for US$300 million.

Loitering munitions, also known as suicide or kamikaze drones, have built-in warheads that are intended to stay near a target area until a target is identified and is attacked by crashing into it.

According to the State Department, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency submitted the required certification notifying Congress of the possible sales on Tuesday.

Foreign Policy on May 8 cited sources as saying that Taiwan had sent letters to the Pentagon requesting munitions equivalent to AeroVironment's Switchblade 300 and the Switchblade 600. 

On Wednesday (June 19), the Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced the deal saying “Taiwan-U.S. dedicated management team continues to strive for improved efficiency in arms sales operations between the two parties, significantly reducing administrative review times.” The ministry expressed its gratitude for the efforts made by the “U.S. security cooperation team” to expedite arms sales.

In the face of China's frequent military operations around Taiwan, the MND said U.S.-approved arms sales items “possess reconnaissance and immediate strike capabilities, enabling rapid response to threats.” Based on the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, the ministry said the U.S. government continues to assist Taiwan in enhancing its asymmetric warfare capabilities. 

The MND said Taiwan and the U.S. will continue strengthening their security partnership and jointly maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. 

The ministry closed by saying peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait “require goodwill from the other side.” It urged Beijing to “cease coercive military operations around Taiwan and jointly contribute to regional stability.”