2025/08/05
Ministry of National Defense: Minister Ku Receives Palmer Luckey, Expresses Gratitude for New Equipment Delivery to Enhance Combat Capabilities
Ministry of National Defense Press Release
Time: 1940 hours, August 5, 2025
Minister Ku Receives Palmer Luckey, Expresses Gratitude for New Equipment Delivery to Enhance Combat Capabilities
The first batch of Altius-600M attack drone systems was delivered to the ROC Army yesterday (August 4). Today (August 5), Minister of National Defense Ku Li-Hsiung received Mr. Palmer Luckey, founder of the U.S.-based manufacturer Anduril Industries, and exchanged commemorative gifts, expressing gratitude to the U.S. team and Ministry of National Defense personnel for their efforts in swiftly delivering the initial batch of new equipment to the ROC Armed Forces, further strengthening their defense and strike capabilities.
In the afternoon, Minister Ku, accompanied by Army Vice Minister Lieutenant General Yang Chi-JUNG, Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Chen Chien-Yi, and heads of relevant Ministry of National Defense units, met with Mr. Palmer Luckey and his delegation. In his remarks, Minister Ku stated that this project, initiated last year, achieved rapid delivery of the first batch this year, providing the ROC Armed Forces with critical “immediate combat readiness” and effectively enhancing ground defense in depth and strike capabilities.
Minister Ku noted that with the rapid advancement of technology, drones have become increasingly versatile in modern warfare, serving not only for battlefield reconnaissance and communication relay but also as indispensable assets for asymmetric warfare and modernized forces. Additionally, many private startups adopt agile development and rapid production models, leveraging software and AI capabilities to integrate mature technologies, enabling the creation of innovative and reliable combat systems.
Minister Ku emphasized that, given the current severe threat environment, the Ministry of National Defense continues to plan and procure surveillance and attack drones to meet defense operation needs. The successful acquisition of the Altius-600M drones demonstrates the ROC Armed Forces’ determination to adapt to changing battlefield environments and accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies. This also holds significant meaning for Taiwan-U.S. collaboration in leveraging emerging technologies to counter PRC threats and ensure regional peace and stability.
Minister Ku further stated that the ROC Armed Forces will continue to build asymmetric and resilient defense capabilities. Through the Defense Innovation Office (DIO), the ministry will assess the combat applications of emerging technologies and products, integrating them into military capability acquisition and development. In military buildup efforts, he encouraged all personnel to abandon outdated thinking, embrace challenges and technological innovation, and create deterrence advantages to effectively counter adversaries and safeguard Taiwan’s security.
Later, Mr. Palmer Luckey delivered a keynote speech in the Ministry of National Defense auditorium titled “Taiwan’s Military Technology Innovation,” sharing his unique insights on leveraging emerging defense technologies. Minister Ku attended the entire session and expressed hope that participants would seize the opportunity to absorb successful experiences and concepts, fostering inspiration for advancing defense affairs and military buildup efforts.