Thu Sep 18 17:09:22 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**Taiwan, US Firm Partner on Missile and Drone Production Amid China Tensions**
**Taipei, Taiwan – September 18, 2025** – In a move signaling heightened defense preparations, Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) has announced joint manufacturing agreements with U.S. defense firm Anduril for both a cruise missile and an underwater drone. This marks the first time Taiwan has entered into such collaborations with a foreign company.
The agreements, solidified on Thursday, will see the co-production of Anduril’s Barracuda-500, a low-cost, autonomous cruise missile, and an unspecified underwater drone. NCSIST President Li Shih-chiang emphasized that these partnerships aim to bolster Taiwan’s domestic weapons production capabilities, ensuring self-sufficiency even in the event of a blockade or conflict.
“Our purpose is if in the warfare, even the blockade, we can manufacture every weapon we need to protect ourselves,” Mr. Li stated at the Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition, where the Barracuda missile is currently on display.
Anduril’s Taiwan head, Alex Chang, highlighted the focus on mass production and sustainable local manufacturing in the joint projects. The collaboration comes amid escalating tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, and increasing pressure from the U.S. for Taiwan to invest more in its own defense. The partnerships underscore Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening its security posture and deterring potential aggression.
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