Taiwan’s Thunder Tiger showcases drones at US defense expo

台灣雷虎科技於美國國防展展示無人機

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung-based Thunder Tiger said Monday it would showcase drone technology at the 2026 Association of the United States Army exhibition in Washington, DC, CNA reported.

The three-day event runs from Oct. 12 to 14 and hosts defense contractors including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and BAE Systems. Thunder Tiger said its exhibits include the Papadelta x Ultrabuggy unmanned ground vehicle, SeaShark 600 unmanned surface vessel, and Blue UAS-certified Overkill first-person-view drone, built using non-Chinese parts.

Thunder Tiger said its unmanned ground vehicle uses a pneumatic catapult to launch the drone while moving, without a runway or launch pad. The drone can be equipped with 175cc or 250cc piston engines, or the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology’s CS-80 microturbine jet engine, depending on mission requirements.

Thunder Tiger said its SeaShark 600 drone boat has a 6-meter aluminum alloy hull fitted with US-based Allen Control Systems’ Bullfrog precision aiming system and AeroVironment’s four-launcher Switchblade system. It can reach a top speed of 50 knots (92.6 kilometers per hour), travel more than 190 nautical miles (350 kilometers), and carry 300 to 600 kilograms for coastal patrols or assault missions.

Thunder Tiger said its Overkill drone has obtained US Department of Defense Blue UAS status. The series includes the complete drone as well as fiber-optic communications, motors, and other components. The drone can fly for up to 30 minutes at a top speed of 120 kph and carry a maximum payload of 3 kilograms.

Blue UAS certification supports the sale of unmanned systems for US defense use, though the US Department of Defense can also purchase systems without it. Green UAS certification applies to vendors seeking to sell to non-Defense Department agencies, such as the US Coast Guard and US Border Patrol.

Thunder Tiger also presented systems developed with US-based Auterion and Israeli and Taiwanese partners to reduce dependence on Chinese parts. It is pursuing rapid, modular, and standardized mass production to secure US defense contracts.