TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan is rapidly expanding its drone capabilities as a key part of its defense strategy against China, according to an online panel discussion hosted by the Center for a New American Security on Tuesday. 

Experts taking part said Taiwan aims to produce 180,000 drones annually by 2028, up from about 10,000 last year, per DefenseScoop. The idea is to build a resilient and largely autonomous drone supply chain.

Speakers highlighted how Taiwan is learning from the war in Ukraine, where small- and medium-range drones have proven effective in asymmetric warfare. Taiwan’s layered defense strategy will depend heavily on these drones to counter any potential Chinese invasion, they agreed.

Deputy Director of the National Security Program at the Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology (DSET) Hong-Lun Tiunn (張紘綸) stressed the urgency for Taiwan to develop its manufacturing capacity for drones and spare parts well ahead of any conflict. He said sustained production and repair ability will be crucial for Taiwan’s long-term defense.

Panelists also pointed out that China’s military modernization focuses heavily on drone and unmanned systems dominance, making Taiwan’s push for self-sufficiency vital. Taiwan is integrating drones for combat, operational, and training purposes while also developing anti-drone systems.

Center for a New American Security Defense Program Director Stacie Pettyjohn recommended that Taiwan take advantage of shorter-range drones. She added that there was an expectation of significant electronic warfare and satellite communications jamming in any potential war between China and Taiwan.

“So, I think that Taiwan’s best strategy is to rely more on autonomy, on drones,” Pettyjohn was quoted as saying.

In a policy summary report earlier this year, DSET said, “Taiwan’s drone industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with production value increasing by over NT$2 billion (US$64.7 million) and exports rising nearly tenfold. However, it still faces structural challenges: high costs, limited market access, and lack of procurement and technological autonomy.

“While some progress has been made in subsystem cooperation, overall Taiwan-US co-production, joint design, and maintenance efforts remain limited. Taiwan’s drone exports to the US also remain relatively small.”

DSET is a Taiwan governmental entity founded in 2023. It is under the National Science and Technology Council and promotes emerging technologies and democratic values. 

The Center for a New American Security is based in Washington, DC. It is a think tank focused on US national security and defense policies.