In a significant escalation of its defense strategy, Taiwan is set to acquire more than 100,000 drones, reflecting its urgent push to fortify national security amid the rising threat of a Chinese invasion. The move will fully occupy Taiwan’s domestic drone manufacturing capacity for at least the next five years.

Unprecedented Procurement Drive

The announcement was made at a July 29 industry briefing hosted by Taiwan’s Executive Yuan Aerospace Program Office and the Armaments Bureau. Officials revealed an additional order for 50,000 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to supplement an existing Ministry of National Defense order for 48,750 drones.

This procurement—among the largest in Taiwan’s history—targets a comprehensive upgrade to the country's distributed drone fleet for national defense and civil protection.

“This reflects a growing emphasis on layered unmanned capabilities across Taiwan’s total defense architecture,” said Executive Yuan officials.

Defense and Civil Applications

The drones will span five categories, including:

• Micro surveillance drones
• Reconnaissance UAVs
• Loitering munitions
• Medium-range drones
• Offensive strike platforms

In addition to military use, drones will aid in infrastructure protection, such as monitoring transport and energy networks. This dual-use approach highlights Taiwan's total defense policy aimed at mobilizing both state and civilian assets during a crisis.

Domestic Industry Ramps Up

Key Taiwanese manufacturers are already responding. Thunder Tiger Technologies, a major defense contractor, confirmed its intent to bid across all five drone categories. Century Minsheng, another major UAS firm, is expanding its output for both domestic orders and international clients in Europe and North America.

The government is pursuing a multi-award procurement model to divide contracts among several suppliers, boosting industrial competition and ensuring supply chain resilience.

Next-Generation Capabilities

While many specifications remain classified, sources confirm the upcoming drones will feature:

• Autonomous navigation
• Encrypted communications
• Swarming capabilities
• Terrain-adapted designs for Taiwan’s mountains and urban areas

The combined orders signal a turning point for Taiwan’s defense-industrial ecosystem, transforming the island into a regional hub for unmanned warfare technologies.