TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan may be developing an electronic intelligence variant of its domestically produced Tengyun UAV.

According to the defense ministry’s list of controlled military items under the Defense Industry Development Act, the military plans to spend NT$60 million (US$20.08 million) in 2027 and 2028 to purchase two “large composite airframes,” and an additional NT$55 million for two sets of “electronic signals intelligence receiver module systems,” Liberty Times reported.

The original Tengyun drone was first unveiled in 2015, followed by the redesigned Tengyun II variant in 2019. The updated version is capable of medium- to long-range, all-weather reconnaissance missions over the Taiwan Strait.

Four Tengyun II prototypes were produced and completed combat evaluations, though the Air Force has yet to place a mass production order.

The Tengyun II may eventually operate alongside the four American MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs Taiwan is scheduled to receive in 2026 and 2027. This pairing would strengthen Taiwan’s early warning capabilities and enhance its ability to deploy forces effectively.