Taiwan and US in talks for sale of advanced military drones, sources say
- American SeaGuardian aerial vehicles would dramatically extend the range of the island’s fleet, expanding capacity to peer into mainland China
- Deal requires congressional approval and it is not clear if permission would include weaponry
The SeaGuardian surveillance drones have a range of 6,000 nautical miles, far greater than the 160 nautical mile-range of Taiwan’s existing fleet of drones, potentially giving the island greater capacity to peer into mainland China, observing its air force, missiles and other facilities.
The deal must be approved by members of Congress, who might receive formal notification as soon as next month, two of the people said. Congress could block a final agreement.
Such a sale would most likely anger Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its own territory.
02:19
Taiwan military drill simulates coastal attack amid rising tensions with mainland China
Republican and Democratic US senators introduced legislation on Thursday that would block the export, transfer or trade of many advanced drones to countries that are not close US allies. Sales would be allowed to Nato members, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan and Israel.