Taiwan Unveils New Drones As Threat From China Grows – See Video & Photos

A state manufacturer military weapons from Taiwan present five new types of military drones on Tuesday, as the self-ruled island seeks to bolster its asymmetric warfare capabilities against China’s growing military threat.

In the Chung-shan National Institute of Science and Technologythe Taiwanese arms maker unveiled eight types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) – including five models that were shown to the public for the first time.

The news drones they come in different sizes and are equipped with either combat or surveillance capabilities, said Eric Chiits director Department of Aeronautical Systems Research of the institute, who added that the devices were designed for use by different branches of Taiwan’s military.

“In response to new global war trends, our military is developing strong warfighting capabilities”Chi said.

New weapons revealed as China fights back more and more ground on Taiwan –an island republic 23.5 million people it never controlled – and expressly refused to rule out the use of force to bring it under control.

China is also increasingly exerting military pressure on Taiwan by sending regular aircraft and naval vessels in the middle line of the Taiwan Strait.

For decades the line served as an informal but largely respected control border for the two sides, until Beijing began launching large-scale military exercises in response to a visit by then-US Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosion the island last year.

Taiwan relies heavily on American weapons to maintain its defense capabilities against an increasingly powerful China.

Earlier this month, the Biden administration approved a potential arms sale to Taiwan worth an estimated $619 million and included missiles for the F-16 fighters.

Last October, Taiwan announced that will increase its annual defense spending this year by 13.9%. The enlistment period for eligible Taiwanese men will also be extended from four months to one year from 2024.

One of the new surveillance drones is the UAV Albatross IIwhich is capable of conducting extended periods of surveillance and tracking of naval vessels over sea using Artificial Intelligence.

It is able to stay in the air for 16 hours straight and has maximum range over 300 kilometersaccording to the institute.

Another new surveillance drone was the portable UAV Cardinal III, which is capable of vertical take-off and landing and is designed to monitor activities along the coastline.

A key combat drone also revealed is the UAV Loitering Munitions, which can be handled by a single soldier. It is equipped with a warhead and is capable of targeting people or vehicles from the sky.

The institute said it is modeled after US-made drones Switchblade 300which have been used extensively by the Ukrainian military to target enemy radar systems in its defense against Russian invasion.

Other types of new combat drones are also being designed to make use of GPS satellite systems and image tracking technologies to launch attacks.

Also on display were several homegrown military drones already in use by Taiwan’s military – including a Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAV which is capable of long-range surveillance and advanced air and sea warning.

The details about the capabilities of drones will not be disclosed as they are considered confidential by the Taiwanese government.

Chi, director of the institute, said the new drones are being tested by Taiwan’s military and will likely enter mass production as early as the end of this year.