Taiwan holds first joint drill using multiple attack drones in modernisation push
Taiwan's military conducted its first joint combat exercise incorporating multiple types of attack drones to modernize its defense capabilities. President Lai Ching-te emphasized that these drills are essential for adapting to modern warfare and defending national sovereignty against rising regional threats.
Why it matters
The integration of drone technology into Taiwan's defense strategy reflects a shift in military tactics influenced by recent global conflicts and heightened tensions with China.
Taiwan's military carried out its first joint combat exercise using multiple types of attack drones this week, President Lai Ching-te said on Friday (September 18, 2026) showed how the armed forces were adapting to the needs of modern warfare.
Mr. Lai has made defence modernisation a key part of his agenda given the rising threat from China, including developing drones and spending more on defence, something U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly pressed the country’s allies to do.
Overseeing the drills in the far south of Taiwan, which also included launches of domestically developed Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missiles and Lockheed Martin-made HIMARS rockets, Mr. Lai said precision firing exercises are crucial for testing weapon effectiveness.
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