Taiwan Set to Acquire Versatile Turkish-built JACKAL Attack Drones

Taiwan Set to Acquire Versatile Turkish-built JACKAL Attack Drones

A Memorandum of Cooperation between Taiwan and the United Kingdom

GEOSAT Aerospace & Technology, a leading Taiwanese drone manufacturer, has entered into a cooperation agreement with the British firm Flyby Technology. The agreement paves the way for the acquisition of 160 JACKAL attack drones, originally developed and constructed by FlyBVLOS, a Turkish partner of Flyby Technology. This deal also includes the transfer of JACKAL drone technology across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Role of Flyby Technology in the Deal

Flyby Technology will play a significant role in supporting GEOSAT with payload solutions, testing, and production planning for the new JACKAL drones. The British firm will also provide other authorized Flyby Technology products as part of the agreement. The JACKAL drones are expected to be utilized for various tasks, including engaging helicopters, destroying tanks, and delivering logistics.

The JACKAL Drone: A Game Changer in Modern Warfare

The JACKAL drone is a versatile attack drone with the capability to take off and land vertically. Since its successful 40-minute flight for the Turkish Armed Forces in April 2022, it has caught the attention of the U.K. Royal Air Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office and other international military entities. Following this successful flight, Fly BVLOS Technology transferred the design and all other rights to the U.K.

The Agreement and its Implications

Signed during the Taipei Aerospace Defense Technology Exhibition, this agreement marks a significant advancement in Taiwan’s drone technology capabilities. The JACKAL drone, initially designed for civilian use, has been armed with Thales lightweight multirole missiles and has undergone successful testing. This transition to a multirole military drone demonstrates the versatile and adaptable nature of the JACKAL, making it a valuable asset in modern warfare.

Future Collaborations and Partnerships

The general manager of Fly BVLOS Technology, Murat Islioglu, highlighted that this deal followed a US$1.25 million export agreement with Flyby Technology for five drones. Shortly after, another agreement was concluded with the Taiwan UAV Technology Center to exchange expertise and establish an office in Taiwan, marking the beginning of a promising international partnership in drone technology.

Conclusion

This collaborative agreement between Taiwan’s GEOSAT Aerospace & Technology and the U.K.’s Flyby Technology signifies a notable development in the global drone technology landscape. With the planned acquisition of the JACKAL attack drones, Taiwan is set to boost its defense capabilities, while also enhancing its technological expertise in designing and manufacturing advanced drones.