Taiwan is set to acquire nearly 50,000 domestically produced military drones within the next two years, in a major effort to enhance its defence capabilities amid rising tensions in the region.
The island’s Armaments Bureau has called on local drone manufacturers to submit proposals for five categories of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), all of which will be deployed across Taiwan’s armed forces by the end of 2027. According to the Liberty Times, the procurement target stands at 48,750 drones, split between 2026 and 2027.
The drones are currently designated Types A to E, with each category serving a different operational role. Specifications have been outlined for range, payload capacity, endurance, and launch mechanisms.
Breakdown of Drone Types:
- Type A: A multi-rotor vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone with a control range over 6 kilometres and payload capacity exceeding 2.5 kilograms. The military plans to acquire 7,500 units in 2026 and 26,500 in 2027.
- Type B: Another multi-rotor model, this drone requires a control range of more than 25 km and a minimum flight and hover time of 60 minutes. Procurement is set at 1,100 units in 2026 and 3,200 in 2027.
- Type C: A fixed-wing drone launched by catapult, with a control range over 90 km and an endurance time of at least two hours. It must also be easily disassembled for transport. 970 units are scheduled for 2026, and 2,980 for 2027.
- Type D: Another catapult-launched fixed-wing drone, with a range of over 30 km and a 30-minute flight time. Modular in design, it is intended for flexibility in the field. The military plans to purchase 1,350 units in 2026 and 4,450 in 2027.
- Type E: A hybrid VTOL fixed-wing UAV with a control range beyond 100 km, 2.5 hours of endurance, and the ability to fly in Beaufort force 5 winds. It must also maintain an average speed of 80 km/h.
Strategic Intent
The scale of the drone acquisition signals Taiwan’s intention to shift towards modern, decentralised warfare, with an emphasis on surveillance, reconnaissance, and rapid-response capabilities. The decision to source all systems domestically supports Taiwan’s goal of building a more resilient and self-reliant defence industry.
This latest development comes as Taipei continues to invest in asymmetric defence measures, including missile systems, mobile radar, and coastal fortifications, in light of increasing pressure from Beijing.
The drones are expected to play a key role in early warning, tactical intelligence gathering, and frontline support, strengthening Taiwan’s defensive posture across both land and coastal regions.
