Taiwan's war drills showcased a new strike drone class that Ukraine used to smash Russia this year
Taiwan has debuted new medium-sized strike drones during its annual Han Kuang military exercises, which resemble the loitering munitions used by Ukraine against Russia. These locally produced drones are intended to provide a cost-effective defense against potential Chinese naval invasions.
Why it matters
The deployment signals Taiwan's strategic shift toward asymmetric warfare tactics to counter China's military superiority.
A fixed-wing "mid-size" drone was displayed at the Han Kuang exercises this year. Ann Wang/REUTERS Taiwan showcased two midsize strike drones above its southwest coast on Saturday. Their designs and descriptions draw easy comparisons to Ukraine's mid-range drones. Such drones likely give Taiwan the ability to cheaply hit a Chinese invasion force over the horizon. ZUOYING, TAIWAN — Taiwan's navy deployed two medium-class strike drones on Saturday for the island's biggest annual military exercise, and their designs resemble those of the loitering munitions giving Ukraine fresh wins against Russia this year. The pair of fixed-wing, propeller-driven drones appeared during a littoral combat drill simulating an attack on Zuoying, Taiwan's southwest coast. It was the first time these drones were shown at the Han Kuang exercise , Taiwan's annual rehearsals against a Chinese invasion.
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