Taiwan unveils advanced drones to bolster its defense strategy at TADTE 2023

The 2023 Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE), held at the Nangang Exhibition Center from September 14th to 19th, marked a significant moment for Taiwan's defence capabilities. The National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) showcased a compelling array of cutting-edge drones, underlining Taiwan's commitment to enhancing its asymmetric warfare capabilities.

At the heart of the exhibition were ten of NCSIST's latest advanced drones, each with unique capabilities designed to bolster Taiwan's defence. Among these, the Loitering Unmanned Aircraft Types I and II captured significant attention.

The Loitering Unmanned Aircraft Type I drone is deployable by a single soldier, shares similarities with the American-built Switchblade loitering munition. Equipped with precision capabilities for Beyond Visual Range strikes using image tracking and pattern recognition, the Type I drone boasts a 15-minute flight time and an operational range of up to 10 km.

Meanwhile, the Loitering Unmanned Aircraft Type II requires a crew of three. This tube-launched unmanned aircraft excels in both day and night operations. Armed with a high-explosive warhead, it is proficient in saturation attacks on fixed and mobile targets, making it compatible with various vehicles, including Humvees.

Decoy drones and beyond

NCSIST also unveiled a decoy unmanned aircraft designed to activate enemy radars, working in conjunction with the Chien Hsiang anti-radiation loitering munition for detection and destruction. The Chien Hsiang drone, capable of travelling up to 1,000 kilometres and reaching speeds of 500 to 600 kph during target dives, is set to produce 104 of these loitering munitions by 2025. Both drones feature fire-and-forget technology, ensuring operability in all weather conditions.

The Teng Yun, a long-range, long-endurance unmanned aircraft, further impressed attendees. With a flight endurance of up to 20 hours and a travel range exceeding 1,100 km, it plays a pivotal role in day and night Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

Taiwan's ambitious drone acquisition plan

Taiwan's strategic vision for its defence was underscored by its strong emphasis on drones. The recent defence ministry white paper, released on September 12th, revealed plans to acquire 7,700 unmanned aerial vehicles by 2028, with 700 designated as military-grade and 7,000 as commercial-grade. Notably, five military prototypes have already been completed, with 36 units set for military delivery by July 31st, reflecting Taiwan's unwavering commitment to modernizing its defence capabilities.   

Drones have emerged as game-changing assets in modern warfare, with their significance underscored by ongoing conflicts such as that in Ukraine. For Taiwan, these unmanned aerial vehicles are instrumental in strengthening its defence against potential threats, particularly from China.