TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of National Defense has added drone training to this year’s eight-week joint basic training program for students at Taiwan’s nine military academies.

The program is divided into three phases: pre- and post-flight safety checks, simulator operation, and a dynamic flight test, Liberty Times reported. The training is conducted in accordance with Civil Aviation Administration regulations and ensures cadets acquire essential drone operation skills.

During the simulator phase, students use a smartphone app with a remote controller to complete takeoff, landing, and flight exercises. Completion qualifies them for the dynamic flight test.

This phase involves a sequence of maneuvers, including takeoff, side hovering, and flying forward and backward—skills intended to lay the foundation for proficiency with new equipment.

The updated training program comes as Taiwan plans to deploy 48,750 drones within two years. The Armaments Bureau has invited domestic manufacturers to submit proposals for five types of military drones to be developed by 2027.