Taiwan Denies Drone Data To U.S.

On Monday, June 19, Taiwan's air force denied media reports that the United States military would receive data from MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones it had purchased.

CNA reported that a recent media report suggested the United States military might gain an information advantage by controlling the SeaGuardians' data. Concerns were also expressed in the report regarding the information gathered by the PAVE PAWS long-range early warning radar at Taiwan's Leshan radar station.

The Air Force Command responded by issuing a press release stating that the report contradicts the facts. The command emphasized that it has complete control over and access to all PAVE PAWS radar intelligence data.

According to Air Force Command, a secure device specifically designed for the transmission and reception of intelligence is used for the SeaGuardian's satellite data collection. It stated that the air force reviews and uses the obtained intelligence, and that no data is initially delivered to the United States.

Regarding the data from the PAVE PAWS radar, the command stated that, as a result of high-tech export permits and protection protocols for technology, it has established subsequent maintenance projects using military sales from the United States to carry out repairs and maintenance.

For US$555 million (17.1 billion), Taiwan agreed to acquire four SeaGuardians, with the first to be delivered in 2025.