Taiwan is moving to buy nearly 50,000 drones over the next two years as it seeks to bolster its asymmetric combat capabilities against mounting military pressure from Beijing.
Advertisement
The move comes as the island’s military prepares to classify unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as consumables to accelerate procurement – a policy that mirrors a recent shift by the United States.
According to a recent tender notice published on the Taiwanese government’s procurement website, the defence ministry’s Armaments Bureau plans to acquire 11,270 drones next year and 37,480 in 2027, across five categories.
02:48
Taiwan seals deal for Ukraine combat-tested drone software to counter Beijing
Taiwan seals deal for Ukraine combat-tested drone software to counter Beijing
These range from multi-rotor vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) platforms to fixed-wing systems, with endurance times spanning from seven minutes to 2½ hours.
The categories cover a wide spectrum of operational needs.
Type A drones are multi-rotor VTOL platforms with a 6km (3.7-mile) control range, able to carry a 2.5kg (5.5lb) payload with seven minutes of endurance or able to operate for more than 30 minutes with only an optical payload, such as a sensor or camera. Taiwan plans to buy 7,500 of them in 2026 and 26,500 in 2027.
Advertisement
Type B drones are also multi-rotor VTOL platforms but with a 25km control and transmission range, and capable of flying for more than an hour under full load, including a 10kg payload. Taiwan will buy 1,100 in 2026 and 3,200 in 2027.