Taiwan showed off updated versions of its domestically produced military drones, claiming they are essential to the island nation’s “asymmetric warfare” capability and will allow its forces greater flexibility should they ever face off against the much larger Chinese military.
The war in Ukraine has increased the priority of the Taiwanese government’s defense efforts, particularly the development of drones.
The military-owned National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) recently held a rare public demonstration of its drone capabilities, during which it displayed its most cutting-edge models, including the Albatross II surveillance drone and GPS-enabled combat drones.
According to NCSIST director Art Chang, the war in Ukraine has increased interest in drone technology, prompting his institution to form a “national team” with companies in Taiwan to advance the development of military drones.
Taiwan’s defense ministry has stated that China has sent drones to areas near Taiwan to test the island’s response. A civilian drone approached an islet off the Chinese coast last year, prompting Taiwan to take action.
