In an era marked by technological advancements in military hardware, Taiwan has unveiled an ace up its sleeve that could alter the dynamics of conflict in the Taiwan Strait. The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology presented the Jianxiang unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on November 15, a kamikaze or “suicide” drone designed as a “carrier killer.” Aimed at neutralizing radar systems and vessels in the region, including those from China, the Jianxiang is a critical component in Taiwan’s strategy for asymmetric warfare.
Technical Specifications
General Features:
• Operating Radius: Over 1,000 km
• Endurance: 5-6 hours
• Max Speed: 200 km/h
• Dive Speed: 500-600 km/h
• Payload: Several kilograms of high-explosive fragmentation warhead
Advanced Capabilities:
• AI System: Enables autonomous evasion of enemy fire and target acquisition
• Passive Radar Homing Head: For target search and strike on any radiating object
• Maneuverability: Tailless scheme with a cylindrical fuselage, triangular wing, and keel tips make it agile in air operations
Strategic Implications
The Jianxiang UAV is integral to Taiwan’s approach to asymmetric warfare, providing a cost-effective means to challenge China’s naval and aerial superiority. Its ability to operate autonomously within an impressive range of over 1,000 km poses a direct threat to China’s radar installations in its Southeast coastal provinces, as well as to vessels operating in the Taiwan Strait.
Project Overview:
• Budget: NT$11.9 billion
• Production Rate: At least 48 units per year
• Completion Date: 2025
Operational Mechanics
Once launched, the Jianxiang utilizes its AI capabilities to autonomously navigate towards its target. Employing passive radar homing technology, the UAV can pinpoint and execute a strike on radiating objects, such as enemy radar installations. Upon target acquisition, the UAV crashes into it, detonating its warhead.
Cost-Effectiveness
Priced at less than NT$25 million per unit, the Jianxiang is a significantly economical alternative to other anti-radiation missiles like the “Tianjian-2A” and the US-made AGM-88, which cost hundreds of millions of yuan.
Conclusion
The Jianxiang UAV exemplifies Taiwan’s ingenuity in leveraging technological advancements for its defense. By fulfilling multiple roles—from neutralizing radar installations to posing a threat to naval vessels—this UAV is a game-changer in the Taiwan Strait’s delicate balance of power.
