TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) on Monday visited Thunder Tiger’s drone and related key technologies at the Asia UAV AI Innovation Application R&D Center in Chiayi, CNA reported.
Established in 2022 with support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the center has attracted about 50 domestic companies and institutions, including Thunder Tiger, Coretronic Intelligent Robotics, and Geosat Aerospace & Technology. It aims to build a complete China-free UAV supply chain and serve as a base for AI applications.
Thunder Tiger showcased its Overkill first-person-view drone, which was added to the US Department of Defense’s Blue UAS Cleared List in September, marking the first time a Taiwanese drone maker has received the cybersecurity and military-grade certification. The inclusion allows the US military and government agencies to procure the drone without additional approvals.
Company President Gene Su (蘇聖傑) said the Overkill drone features a modular design that integrates payload, communications, guidance, and flight-control systems. He added that the UAV series has completed swarm flight tests with US-based Auterion, a supplier of autonomous systems for drones and robotic vehicles.
Su noted the tests used AI technology to verify the drones’ ability to operate in swarms for defense missions and focused strikes. The tests also showed the drones’ potential to meet government requirements for military-use UAV procurement.
Thunder Tiger said the Overkill UAV can be equipped with fiber-optic technology, allowing it to transmit video and remain stable in areas with strong electromagnetic interference.
In November, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said the government plans to allocate NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.8 billion) for a special defense budget, pending approval from the Legislative Yuan. Part of the budget will be used to purchase about 200,000 drones from domestic UAV manufacturers.
Thunder Tiger also showcased the Striker UAV, developed with French drone maker Parrot. The drone has a 2-meter wingspan and features an infrared sensor and an AI flight-control system. The company added that it can fly more than 60 km, making it suitable for precision strikes.
Beyond UAV technologies, the company has developed unmanned boats. It said it can simultaneously control six SeaShark-series USVs. The boats are designed for patrol, reconnaissance, and attack missions.
