AeroVironment and Taiwan’s Thunder Tiger are exploring new ways to deploy Switchblade loitering munitions through unmanned maritime and land-based systems. Under a newly signed memorandum of understanding, the companies will assess the feasibility of installing the munitions on unmanned surface vessels and ground vehicles. A proposed configuration would place a multi-round launcher aboard a Thunder Tiger unmanned surface vessel. Further assessments and potential demonstrations will determine how effectively the systems can operate together. The partnership also includes discussions on joint drone production and technology development within Taiwan. These efforts align with Taipei’s broader objective of establishing a stronger domestic drone supply chain and limiting reliance on Chinese-origin components. The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology recently inaugurated a dedicated aerospace and drone campus designed to accommodate up to 100 companies. Its facilities are intended to support aircraft design, airframe assembly and testing, while digital-twin technology can help engineers assess designs before flight trials. A neighbouring industrial park will facilitate cooperation among industry, government and academic institutions, strengthening the infrastructure needed for local drone development and manufacturing.
