Taiwan’s army has bought 50 short-range combat drones and says it will put them all into service by the end of next year. The Army Command says the weapons will help strengthen Taiwan’s defense and provide protection in a complex security environment.
The defense ministry will spend NT$779.98 million (US$27 million) between 2021 and 2023 to purchase the drones. They will come in two sets of 14 craft this year and 36 next year.
The drones were designed by Taiwan’s National Chung Shan Institute for Science and Technology, which is currently carrying out functional and performance testing. The institute will begin delivering the weapons later this year.
In preparation for receiving the drones, Army Command says that pilots have obtained operator licenses from the institute’s drone training center.
Officials say the drone technology will help Taiwan’s armed forces get a clearer picture of combat situations as they unfold.