Taiwan has introduced a new COBRA-3120 barrage munition, an analog of the American Switchblade

What is COBRA-3120 and who is it aimed at?

Taiwan has unveiled a new tactical unmanned munition called the COBRA-3120, developed as part of efforts to modernize its own defense systems. The device is positioned as an analogue of the American Switchblade barrage ammunition, widely used in modern conflicts due to its accuracy, mobility and the ability to destroy targets with minimal risk to the operator.

The COBRA-3120 is designed for use by units of the Army and Marine Corps, providing a rapid response to threats in the field. Its compactness and ease of operation make it possible to deploy the system at the squad level, making it an important element of modern tactical aviation.

Key technical specifications

According to the stated data, the COBRA-3120 has the following parameters:

Flight speed: 60-250 km/h (adjustable, including camouflage and attack mode)

Range: 30-40 km — sufficient to hit targets beyond the line of sight

Time spent in the air: up to 40 minutes, which allows the drone to wait for a target in a given area.

Warhead: 1-2 kg — sufficient to defeat lightly armored vehicles, shelters and groups of infantry

The munition is launched from a transport and launch tube, similar to the Switchblade, and is controlled by the operator via a secure radio channel. It is equipped with a real—time camera, which allows you to adjust the trajectory and cancel the attack if necessary - an important advantage in terms of reducing the risk to the civilian population.

Comparison with the American Switchblade

The COBRA-3120 is similar in concept to the American Switchblade 600, which is also designed to engage armored targets at the tactical level. However, the Switchblade 600 has a longer range (about 100 km) and a more powerful warhead (up to 5.4 kg).

Nevertheless, the COBRA-3120 demonstrates a similar architecture: compact body, folding wings, guidance system with video transmission and a barrage mode. Its development indicates Taiwan's desire to build up its own defense capabilities and reduce dependence on imported systems.

Role in modern tactical defense systems

The COBRA-3120 is part of Taiwan's broader strategy to introduce small unmanned systems to counter potential threats. In the context of increased geopolitical tensions amid activity in the Taiwan Strait, such drones allow for a quick response to incursions, reconnaissance actions and accumulations of equipment.

The integration of such systems into the army increases the autonomy of units, reduces dependence on heavy weapons and makes it possible to effectively use the "strike-disappear" principle in urban and coastal areas.

PrSM Increment 2 anti-ship missiles will become a threat to Chinese ships off Taiwan

One of the key elements of the modernization of the M142 HIMARS and M270 MLRS launchers in the coming years will be the integration of a new generation of anti-ship operational and tactical ballistic missiles — Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 2. These missiles will be equipped with an active radar homing head (seeker) and will be able to hit naval targets at a range of more than 500 km.

This development of ground-based missile systems significantly expands the capabilities of US allies in the Western Pacific. In the event of an escalation of tensions, PrSM Increment 2 missiles could pose a serious threat to surface ships of the Chinese Navy, especially in the area of naval bases in Fujian Province and on routes leading to Taiwan. The ability to quickly transfer mobile launchers to the coast makes them elusive and highly maneuverable platforms for attacking naval targets.

In response to such a threat, the Chinese Navy plans to deploy its advanced Type 052D class destroyers equipped with fire control and air defense systems. These ships carry HHQ-9 naval anti-aircraft missile systems and are equipped with powerful multifunctional active phased array radar (AFAR) type 346A (also known as "Dragon Eye"). The radars operate in the S- and X-bands and have a high detection range: up to 420 km for targets with an effective reflective surface (EOP) of 3 m2 and up to 100 km for low—visibility targets with an EOP of 0.01 m2.

Type 052D destroyers can be used to cover amphibious and transport ships, providing them with protection from high-precision weapons, including short-range ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. Their role will become especially important in scenarios involving possible operations near Taiwan, where air and sea control will determine the success of any mission.

Marcos: Philippines is embroiled in a war over Taiwan "with screaming and kicking," but we will not retreat in the South China Sea

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a harsh statement on Monday, warning that his country would inevitably be drawn into a military conflict over Taiwan, even if it "resisted with screams and kicks." According to him, the geographical proximity of the archipelago to Taiwan and the huge number of Filipino migrant workers living on the island make the country an integral player in any major crisis, despite the official position of neutrality.

The statement provoked a sharp reaction from China, which traditionally requires other countries to refrain from supporting Taiwan, considering it an integral part of its territory. Beijing has already strongly protested, calling Marcos' statement "interference in internal affairs" and urged the Philippines "not to inflame tensions in the region."

However, Marcos did not stop there. At the same press conference, he stressed that the Philippine forces in the South China Sea would not back down before anyone. "Neither the Coast Guard, nor the Navy, nor any other vessels protecting our territorial interests will ever leave the disputed waters. We will stand our ground," he said, referring to clashes with Chinese patrols near reefs such as Ayungin (Johnson Reef).

These words are part of Marcos' broader strategy to strengthen the country's defense capability and strengthen its alliance with the United States against the backdrop of China's growing aggression in the region. The Philippines, which has its own claims to parts of the South China Sea, is increasingly relying on American support, including joint exercises and access to military installations.

Thus, Marcos sends a double signal: to Beijing — that Manila will not remain silent, and to Washington — that the Philippines is ready to be the front line in the struggle for stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Taiwan relies on "smart drones": partnership with Anduril to create a network war

 

Taiwan is taking a decisive step in modernizing its defense by entering into an important partnership. The National Chongshan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), Taiwan's leading defense developer, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the American technology company Anduril Industries, known for its advanced artificial intelligence systems and autonomous platforms. The purpose of the agreement is the purchase and, probably, the joint adaptation of a control system called NGC2 (Lattice NGC2) and related unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

What is NGC2? This is not just a program, but a whole network of combat control created by Anduril. Its main task is to dramatically speed up and improve the decision—making process on the battlefield. The system does this by combining data from all available sensors — radars, cameras, and reconnaissance platforms — into a single, overall picture. Then, using powerful AI algorithms, it analyzes this information and provides action recommendations to commanders and combat platforms (shooters), turning the chaos of combat into a coordinated operation. In fact, NGC2 transforms disparate systems into a single, "smart" organism.

This cooperation is a key part of Taiwan's strategy to create an asymmetric force. Given China's huge advantage in traditional weapons, Taiwan is betting on technologies that can offset this advantage: cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and, above all, unmanned systems. Investments in drones are well underway.

The planned drones, which will operate in the NGC2 system, are positioned as "loyal wingmen" for manned aircraft. They don't just fly ahead, but actively participate in combat, performing the most dangerous and difficult tasks: conducting electronic warfare to jam enemy radars, suppressing air defense systems, and even participating in aerial combat. This allows pilots to stay relatively safe by controlling a group of drones and making strategic decisions while the machines perform tactical maneuvers.

Partnering with Anduril is not just about buying equipment. This is Taiwan's attempt to adopt an advanced American approach to network warfare, where speed, data, and autonomy are becoming crucial factors for survival.

Pentagon Launches Production Of New Tactical PrSM Missiles: Preparing for Major Conflicts

The Pentagon has announced the start of mass production of new Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) tactical missiles. These missiles are designed for multi-Domain tactical groups (MDTF) in Europe, the Arctic and the Asia-Pacific region. It is possible that several complexes will be sent to Ukraine to test them in combat conditions.

PrSM is a modern replacement for ATACMS. The range of these missiles is 500 kilometers, which makes them an intermediate link between multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and short—range ballistic missiles. Such missiles have already been used in local wars, for example, Russia is actively using Iskander-M in its special operation. Ukraine also has something to respond to: they have Soviet Tochka-U and American ATACMS.

The PrSM project began in 2016, and the first pre-production samples entered the army in the fall of 2023. The launchers for these missiles are the same as those of the ATACMS: the M-142 HIMARS MLRS (two missiles in ammunition) and the M—270 MLRS (four missiles).

The PrSM program is divided into four stages. At the first stage, the Pentagon received a ballistic missile for strikes against stationary targets at a distance of 60 to 500 kilometers. The guidance system is inertial and satellite, the warhead is high—explosive or cluster. Its weight is estimated from 100 to 230 kilograms. This is the initial version, which is subject to the limitations of the INF Treaty.

After the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty, Lockheed Martin began developing a second modification, the Land Based Anti—Ship Missile (LBASM). The range of this missile is up to a thousand kilometers. It has a multi-mode homing head operating in the radar and infrared ranges. This allows the missile to capture and hit moving targets in the final section of the trajectory. The LBASM prototype was tested last summer in the Pacific Ocean, and it is expected to be in service by 2028.

There are two more modifications. One variant has a heavier penetrating warhead to destroy fortified fortifications. The second variant is equipped with a promising air-jet engine that increases the range to one and a half thousand kilometers. If you launch such missiles from Poland, they will reach Moscow.

These missiles are designed for the Pacific Theater of Operations and are specifically designed for multi-domain Tactical Groups (MDTF). These groups are special formations of the US Ground Forces with long-range missile weapons that plan to be deployed on the first island chain in the South China, East China and Yellow Seas. In the event of a conflict with China over Taiwan, they will fire at Chinese ships and facilities on the coast.

Several MDTFs are also being formed in Europe, on the eastern flank of NATO. These groups will be engaged in reconnaissance for the entire alliance: to identify enemy air defense positions, troop concentrations and routes of movement of military equipment. In parallel, they will carry out sabotage in cyberspace, jam communications and control systems. The next step is to strike at key military infrastructure facilities.

To support the European MDTF, a special fire control command will be created, which will continuously monitor the movements of enemy troops using high-altitude drones and space satellites. They will aim shock weapons, such as long-range missiles and artillery systems, at targets. According to the commander of the US Army in Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, this is a key element of multi-domain operations in major conflicts.

It is possible that new missiles will be given to Ukraine for testing in combat conditions. Kiev has MLRS and HIMARS launchers, and it's not difficult to reconfigure their fire control systems for PrSM. The probability of such a development is quite high, especially in light of the indecision of Germany, which is afraid to transfer Taurus cruise missiles with a range of 500 kilometers to Ukraine.

Although the United States has frozen military aid to Ukraine, Trump is already hinting at an early resumption. He claims that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive exclusively "defensive" weapons, but in no military regulations in the world are the means of defeating the enemy divided into "defensive" and "offensive". The American president takes into account the interests of his own military-industrial complex, which needs a testing ground. Ukraine is an ideal option.

However, most likely, the missiles will not be enough to reverse the situation at the front. Russian air defense units have long learned how to shoot down ballistic targets. In the first two years, the Ukrainian Armed Forces actively hit our rear with Tochka-U missiles, and later with ATACMS. Neither became a superweapon for Kiev. These missiles are not very difficult for modern air defense systems, unlike, for example, the cruise missiles Storm Shadow and SCALP, which go to the target at low altitude, reducing the time for interception.

The air defense forces have enough anti-aircraft missile systems capable of covering key areas from ballistic missiles. These are the S-300V4, S-400, S-350 Vityaz, Buk-M2 and Buk-M3. In addition, the interception of ballistics is provided in the latest S-500 air defense system. However, the most effective method of combating the operational-tactical missile systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is destruction on the ground. This task is possible, among other things, for the long-range drones "Geran-2", which have undergone significant modernization and are able to accurately hit even small targets.

China Is Testing Combat Ekranoplanes: New Opportunities for Military Might

China is not asleep and is actively testing new combat ekranoplanes. These vehicles can be a real trump card in their military strategy, especially in regions with many islands. China already has experience in creating ekranoplanes for rescue operations and inter—island transportation, but now they are going further - they are developing combat versions.

Photos posted online show a new Chinese aircraft in Bohaiwan Bay. Experts are arguing what it is: a seaplane or an ekranoplane. Most people are inclined to believe that this is an ekranoplane. It is painted gray, which hints at a military purpose. The device has a T-shaped tail with two vertical stabilizers and four jet engines on the wings. The wings have roll-resistant floats and V-shaped keels.

China has been working on ekranoplanes for a long time. In 2023, they presented a prototype for rescue operations in the South China Sea. The new device is still unnamed, but it has already been nicknamed the "Boho Monster".

An ekranoplane is a cross between a ship and an airplane. It moves above the surface, supported by an air cushion created by interacting with air reflected from the surface of water or land. This principle was discovered in the 1920s, but only the Soviet scientist Rostislav Alekseev was able to implement it. His ekranoplanes could reach high speeds, which attracted the military. They could quickly and suddenly transfer troops, remaining invisible to radars.

For China, ekranoplanes are a solution to many military tasks. The main goal is to take back Taiwan. Taiwan is a group of islands, some of which are visible from mainland China. The width of the Taiwan Strait is from 130 to 220 km. In the event of an attack, China needs to quickly deploy troops to create bridgeheads and block military installations. Ekranoplanes can be an ideal tool for this.

China also has problems with islands in the South China Sea, such as the Spratly Archipelago. They have already created bulk islands with ports and air bases. Ekranoplanes can quickly transfer troops and equipment to such islands.

China is testing Shuiqiao amphibious barges for a covert amphibious operation off the coast of Taiwan

 

The People's Liberation Army of China is testing new Shuiqiao-class barges in the coastal waters after completion at the Guangzhou shipyard, according to Chinese military observers. Each amphibious vessel is equipped with a self-lifting platform and a ramp with a 120-meter-long mechanized bridge, which makes it possible to ferry across impassable terrain and disembark from warships.

The barge tests are taking place against the background of increased PLA activity. Military experts in Taipei, Taiwan's capital, believe that the coastal islands are likely to be the first target of an attack by Chinese forces, and are preparing to repel it. Apparently, the fears are not groundless, since the exercises organized by the PLA on amphibious landings involving the Shuiqiao barges took place 1.5 km from the coast of Fujian Province, while the ZBD-05 infantry fighting vehicles attacked the "beaches" of the alleged enemy.

The appearance of the Shuiqiao barges in the PLA arsenal indicates a large-scale modernization of the armed forces of the People's Republic of China and an increase in military power for operations in coastal regions. They open up new landing opportunities along the entire coast of Taiwan, especially in poorly protected areas and estuaries. Their maneuverability and civilian appearance complicate a defensive strategy and may pose an asymmetric threat to Taiwan.

While Chinese observers claim that the main purpose of the Shuiqiao barges is to quickly eliminate the consequences of natural disasters, Western commentators find similarities with the multi—purpose barges of World War II, with which the Allies were engaged in unloading ammunition and transport on the shores of Normandy.

The Taiwanese military fears that such vessels could bypass fortified beaches and ensure a quick PLA landing on coastal islands such as Kinmen or Matsue, long before the island's main defense forces can react.

ASML and TSMC have ways to disable the world's most sophisticated chip manufacturing machines in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. We are talking about EUV equipment, which allows you to print the smallest transistors of chips for artificial intelligence and military developments. The cost of one such car starts from 200 million euros. In fact, this is a backup way to deprive China of possible spoils of war — earlier, the leadership of TSMC and the Taiwanese authorities had already stated that all the company's factories would be blown up in the event of an invasion. But if the PRC manages to prevent an explosion, the EUV scanners will be destroyed through remote diagnostic and configuration tools. Last year, ASML already conducted such exercises.

The United States will complete delivery of the first 10 new F-16 Block 70 fighter jets to the Taiwan Air Force by the end of the year

F-16 Block 70 fighter jets

 The United States plans to complete delivery of the first 10 new F-16 Block 70 fighter jets to the Taiwan Air Force by the end of 2025. These aircraft are part of a large order for 66 upgraded F-16Vs, concluded as part of a military sales agreement. The first 10 vehicles are expected to be delivered in the second half of the year, and they will be delivered by direct flights from the United States to Taiwan with air refueling support by American tankers. The flights will be operated by U.S. Air Force pilots, with Taiwanese pilots accompanying the two-seat options to gain long-range flight experience. The new fighters will be based at Chihang Air Base and will become part of the 7th Tactical Fighter Wing, which will become the most powerful unit of the Taiwan Air Force responsible for the defense of the eastern region of the island. Full delivery of all 66 fighters is planned by the end of 2026.

Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning spotted off the coast of Taiwan and the Philippines

Satellite image

Satellite images show the passage of the Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of the Philippines and Taiwan, key allies and partners of the United States in the region. Taiwan's Ministry of Defense has confirmed to local media that the aircraft carrier is located off the southeast coast of the island.

This relocation of the Chinese aircraft carrier is causing concern in the region, given the tensions between China and Taiwan, as well as the strategic importance of the Philippines as a partner of the United States. CNS Liaoning is China's first aircraft carrier to actively participate in demonstrating naval power and conducting exercises near disputed territories.

The presence of an aircraft carrier in the area indicates China's continued activity in expanding its influence in the South China and East China Seas. It also serves as a signal to the US allies about the need to maintain a high level of readiness and cooperation in the field of security.

In response to China's actions, Taiwan and the Philippines are strengthening their measures to monitor and secure their maritime borders, while the United States continues to support its regional partners as part of a deterrence strategy.

Taiwan joins countries studying the wreckage of the Chinese PL-15 missile

 Taiwan has officially joined the growing circle of countries seeking access to the wreckage of China's PL-15 line-of-sight (BVR) air-to-air missile after remnants of the weapon were discovered deep inside Indian territory following an intense air clash between Pakistan and India.

It is assumed that the debris of the PL-15 air-to-air missile, detected by India beyond the line of sight, was launched by a fighter jet of the Pakistani Air Force.

For Taipei, Facing daily incursions and pressure from China's increasingly aggressive military posture, the opportunity to study the real components of the PL-15 is a rare and extremely important intelligence find.

Remnants of the Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missile

VMFA-211 Wake Island Avengers deployed in Japan to strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region

 The United States Marine Corps has deployed the Marine Corps 211st Fighter Strike Squadron (VMFA-211), known as the Wake Island Avengers, at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen deterrence and military readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. The deployment, announced on May 10, 2025, as part of the Marine Corps Unit Deployment Program, comes amid growing tensions in the region, especially over China's growing military assertiveness around Taiwan and the South China Sea. Equipped with F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters, the VMFA-211's presence is intended to strengthen the U.S.-Japan security alliance and support flights in a strategically important area.

The Taiwanese company introduced the SeaShark 800 unmanned boat

 

SeaShark 800

The Taiwanese company Thunder Tiger has introduced another crew-less boat SeaShark 800

Designed to perform reconnaissance and strike missions. It can carry explosives on board. The boat has low radar visibility. 

Control: Supports dual-mode remote control technology by both satellite signal and radio frequency, ensuring stable and reliable communication under electronic jamming conditions. 

It is equipped with a swarm control system that allows you to coordinate the actions of several backups for group attacks or distributed monitoring.

The built-in AI target identification system automatically recognizes enemy ships and other preset targets to increase accuracy during strikes.

Declared characteristics

• length — 8.1 m

• width — 2.1 m

• height — 1.9 m

• draft — 0.5 m

• total displacement — 2.7 tons

• maximum speed — over 50 knots

• Cruising range is about 324 nautical miles (600 km).

BECK will also take part in the test swims in June along with other boats.

China expands nuclear fleet: six Jin-class ballistic missile submarines

 The US Strategic Command has officially assessed that the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) operates six Jin-class ballistic missile submarines (Type 094), which constitutes China's first reliable sea-based nuclear deterrent, as each vessel is equipped with up to 12 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). This capability provides China with a second-strike capability and is part of a broader expansion of its strategic forces, in line with President Xi Jinping's directive on military readiness for a potential operation against Taiwan by 2027, which has led to investments in land-based missiles, strategic bombers, and naval assets.

Chinese Jin Class Submarine (Type 094)

China Builds Monster Ships to Invade Taiwan: New Amphibious Barges Threaten Regional Stability

 

China is building monster ships to invade Taiwan. This is reported by the industry magazine Naval News and publishes photos of huge amphibious barges that were taken on a beach in the northeast of the country.

"China is currently building at least five new specialized ships, which are apparently designed for amphibious operations. Moreover, it takes only a few months to build each such barge," Naval News reports.

"These ships can provide the People's Republic of China with a unique opportunity to unload a large number of armored vehicles directly onto Taiwanese roads. The barges are equipped with special elongated bridges about 120 meters long, allowing them to cross beach strips and reach hard surfaces or coastal roads," the publication concludes.

The magazine's conclusions are based on an analysis of satellite images showing urgent construction work at several shipyards on the east coast of China, directly opposite Taiwan.

Chinese state media published simulation models of the deployment of floating bridges after the floating colossus was discovered.

"The construction of such special ship bridges is one of the indicators that defense analysts are monitoring in search of early warning of a possible invasion. It is possible that these ships can be explained by their civilian purpose. But the fact that so many ships are being built, which are much larger than comparable civilian vessels, makes this implausible," the magazine analyzes.

The very concept of using such barges is reminiscent of the Mulberry Harbors, temporary structures built by the Allies for the Normandy landings during World War II. 

Analysts believe that about two million soldiers will need to be deployed in Taiwan to ensure victory. Taiwan has a limited number of beaches suitable for amphibious landings, and all of them are well fortified. Therefore, the development of new amphibious vehicles, such as barges, may be part of China's long-term strategy to increase troop landing capabilities.

Taiwan Reports Surge in Suspected Chinese Espionage Cases

Taipei, January 13, 2025 — Taiwan has reported a alarming increase in suspected cases of Chinese espionage, highlighting growing concerns over national security. According to official reports, the number of Taiwanese individuals accused of spying for China surged by a third in the past year, reaching a total of 64 cases.

This significant rise in espionage activities has raised serious alarms within Taiwan's security apparatus. Officials have noted that the majority of those accused are either active or retired military personnel, underscoring the strategic nature of the intelligence being targeted.

The increase in espionage cases reflects the intensifying geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China. Beijing has long claimed sovereignty over Taiwan, viewing it as a renegade province, and has employed various tactics to exert influence and gather intelligence. The escalation in suspected espionage activities suggests a concerted effort by China to undermine Taiwan's security and military capabilities.

Taiwanese authorities have expressed grave concern over the infiltration of their military ranks by Chinese agents. The involvement of active and retired military personnel in espionage activities poses a significant threat to national security, as it compromises sensitive information and operational strategies.

In response to the growing threat, Taiwan has stepped up its counter-espionage measures. Security agencies are enhancing surveillance, conducting thorough background checks, and implementing stricter protocols to safeguard classified information. Additionally, efforts are being made to raise awareness among military personnel about the risks of espionage and the importance of vigilance.

As Taiwan continues to bolster its defenses against Chinese espionage, the focus remains on protecting national security and maintaining regional peace. The coming months will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of Taiwan's counter-espionage strategies and the broader implications for geopolitical dynamics in the region.