American company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has signed a $250 million contract with the US Department of Defense to produce four MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned aerial vehicles for Taiwan for use in maritime reconnaissance. This information was officially announced in a written statement from the Pentagon. TASS.
The Pentagon emphasized that US aid to Taiwan does not affect military support to Ukraine. The Chinese Ministry of Defense protested the US providing $345 million in military aid to Taiwan.
The total contract price is $250,063,810 and also includes two ground control stations, spare parts and related equipment.
The work within the scope of the contract will be carried out in the state of California, where the company is headquartered. The project is expected to be completed on August 11, 2027. So far, the Chinese Embassy in Washington has not commented on TASS’s request for this contract.
Unmanned aerial vehicles of this model are designed for maritime reconnaissance and can perform combat missions carrying various types of weapons.
Previously, Taiwanese officials announced that negotiations were held with the United States on the possible supply of unmanned attack vehicles. Last July, President Joe Biden announced a $345 million military aid package to Taiwan.
The United States is Taiwan’s main arms supplier. Washington broke off diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979 and established them with Beijing, but continues to maintain ties with the island and supply arms, recognizing the “one China” policy. This causes protests from China, which considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory.
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Source: Gazeta
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