Taiwan is set to implement a significant change in its military strategy by reclassifying small drones as “consumables.” This move aims to enhance procurement processes and improve military accessibility to these unmanned aerial systems. The new categorization aligns with a policy announced by the United States in July, which designated small drones weighing up to 55 pounds as similar to ammunition. Under this classification, low-level commanders were granted the authority to procure and authorize their use directly, streamlining decision-making and deployment.
National Defense and Security Research Division Director Su Tzu-yun emphasized that, currently, only about 10 percent of small uncrewed aerial systems successfully complete their missions. Given the reliance on sheer numbers for effectiveness, ensuring a steady supply of these drones is crucial. This strategy will likely catalyze closer collaboration between Taiwan’s armed forces and domestic drone manufacturers, fostering a more robust defense capability.
In light of the potential threat from China, which has not dismissed the option of using force to annex Taiwan, the island nation is keenly observing the dynamics of drone warfare evident in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. In preparation for this contingency, Taiwan is actively ramping up its defense capabilities, including an accelerated acquisition of drones.
The Taiwanese government has set an ambitious goal to procure a total of 48,750 domestically produced drones by 2027, with plans to integrate drone operations into training programs for soldiers. Recently, Taiwan received its first shipment of Altius loitering munitions from Anduril, marking a significant step in enhancing its drone arsenal. Additionally, the country has unveiled two locally developed drones: a bomb-dropping uncrewed aerial vehicle and a catapult-launched kamikaze drone, highlighting its commitment to advancing military technology amid rising regional tensions.
