Strengthening Asymmetric Capabilities: Outlying Islands to Establish Drone Unit
2026/06/18 23:50
To strengthen asymmetric drone capabilities, the Army established three drone battalions in the northern, central, and southern combat zones of Taiwan proper in April. An informed source said today that a drone battalion will be established on outlying islands soon. Analysts say this move will enable long-range reconnaissance and beyond-visual-range strike capabilities, significantly expanding defense and anti-landing capabilities.
(Photo/Central News Agency) An informed source said today that a drone battalion will be established on outlying islands soon.
Drones have become an important part of the military's asymmetric capabilities. The Army established a Drone Training Center in January last year, which was upgraded and transformed into a branch-level Unmanned Systems Training Command in April of the same year.
Moreover, in April this year, the Army completed the formation of drone battalions in three combat zones based on regional mission characteristics and tactical applications: the 3rd Combat Zone (Northern), the 5th Combat Zone (Central), and the 4th Combat Zone (Southern).
An informed source pointed out that the Army will soon establish a drone battalion on outlying islands to continue strengthening asymmetric capabilities. In addition to pushing forward early warning ranges, it can also conduct counter-blockade operations nearby during wartime, establishing a "kill chain" together with anti-ship missiles.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo mentioned during a legislative inquiry in May that future purchases of drones must continue, otherwise there will be a situation of "units without equipment." Besides the Altius-600, the Coastal Surveillance, Coastal Attack, and Altius-700 have not yet arrived. In the meantime, the battalions will continue training using training drones.
Su Tzu-yun, a scholar at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, a think tank under the Ministry of National Defense, pointed out that the military's establishment of a drone training command is synchronized with the US military's approach of setting up a drone school, symbolizing that the Army is undergoing modern military affairs reform. Among these, the addition of a drone battalion on outlying islands has key strategic significance.
Su said that the drone battalion on outlying islands can exert long-range reconnaissance and beyond-visual-range strike capabilities. Coordinating with existing troops on the main island and outlying islands, it will greatly expand defense and anti-landing capabilities.
(Central News Agency)
