Taiwan unveils new locally-produced drones as part of its 'asymmetric warfare' amid tensions with China

Taiwan has showcased its locally-produced drones, which the island says is the key to its “asymmetric warfare” capacity to make its forces more prepared in the event of an invasion by China. This comes amidst increased Chinese military activity close to the island.

On Tuesday, the Taiwanese military-run National Chung-shan Institute of Science and Technology unveiled the latest models of its locally-produced drones. This included the Albatross II surveillance drone and combat drones that are equipped with global positioning satellites. An attack drone with loitering munitions capable of cruising toward a target before plummeting and detonating on impact was also among the drones that were displayed.

NCSIST chief Art Chang said the ongoing war in Ukraine has turned the attention onto drones and that NCSIST partnered with Taiwanese companies to build a “national team” to develop military drones.

The Taiwanese military announced a partnership with companies aiming to manufacture 3,000 drones next year. NCSIST Aeronautical Systems Research Division director Chi Li-pin said the armed forces should increase their use of drones in their strategies.

“I hope our national troops can familiarize themselves with this weapon of asymmetric warfare and use them boldly,” Chi told reporters at the NCSIST facility in Taichung.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has touted the idea of “asymmetric warfare” to make Taiwanese forces more mobile and harder to attack.

China views Taiwan as its breakaway province and has opposed any interaction between the island’s democratic government and other foreign governments. Taiwan has repeatedly rejected China’s claims of sovereignty over the island.

Last week, the US Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he plans to meet with Tsai in the US this year as the Taiwanese presidential office said it was still working on the “transit” plans for an overseas visit. McCarthy confirmed his intention to meet with Tsai to reporters but noted that the decision to meet with Tsai was not going to be an attempt to appease China and that he would not rule out a visit to the island.

“China can’t tell me where I can and can’t go,” McCarthy reportedly said. McCarthy’s Democratic predecessor Nancy Pelosi visited the island last year, leading to increased military drills by China.