Taiwan to Launch Dedicated Drone Squadron in July as It Expands Asymmetric Defense Strategy

16/06/2026

TAIPEI, Jun 16: Taiwan will establish a dedicated drone squadron next month as part of efforts to expand its military capabilities, strengthen asymmetric warfare readiness, and integrate advanced technology into its defense strategy, leader William Lai Ching-te said Tuesday.

Lai announced during a visit to military units in northern Taiwan ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival, saying the new drone unit will be based at the Guandu Area Command Post and officially launched in July.

The squadron is part of Taiwan’s broader effort to modernize its armed forces and develop capabilities designed to counter potential threats in the region.

“Facing rapidly changing regional circumstances, we must continue to refine combat training, leverage technology, and strengthen asymmetric warfare capabilities to build a more resilient national defense system,” Lai said.

During his visit, Lai highlighted recent live-fire exercises involving US-made ALTIUS-600M loitering munitions, saying the systems achieved a 100% hit rate against sea-based targets during testing.

Taiwan has already received all 291 drones purchased from the United States, according to officials, as Taipei continues expanding its unmanned warfare capabilities.

Lai said the drone program is part of a wider plan to improve the resilience of Taiwan’s defense network, including the ability to respond quickly to evolving military challenges.

The Taiwanese leader also pledged that his administration would continue advancing defense spending plans despite budget cuts approved by the opposition-controlled legislature.

In May, lawmakers passed a defense bill that reduced the ruling party’s proposed military budget by 38%, cutting planned spending from approximately $39.8 billion to $24.8 billion over eight years.

The development comes as Taiwan continues to prioritize asymmetric defense strategies, including drones, precision weapons, and mobile systems, amid growing security concerns in the Taiwan Strait.