TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Friday the government will give police more drones, training, and technology to help protect key infrastructure and strengthen national security.
Speaking during a visit to the Second Special Police Corps drone training center, Lai said the government will continue to support the police force’s expanded role and modernization. He said police must use technology to face new security risks, keep society stable, and protect people’s daily lives.
Lai said the Second Special Police Corps should become a key force in counterterrorism and infrastructure protection. He said the corps should also maintain the strength of its special operations team.
The president said drones can help police conduct aerial patrols and transmit live images to command centers. He said AI can help analyze images and improve police missions.
Lai said drones have shown their value in the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East. He said Taiwan police should learn how to operate drones and defend against drone attacks.
“The Cabinet last year set aside NT$2.15 billion (US$66.4 million) in special funding to buy drones,” Lai said. Some of the drones will be used by the Second Special Police Corps.
Lai said the government will continue to improve Taiwan’s drone technology. He asked Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳), National Police Agency Director-General Chang Jung-hsing (張榮興), and Second Special Police Corps Commander Huang Chia-chi (黃家琦) to train more drone operators.
The president said police will have a larger role in protecting oil, water, electricity, transport, communications, finance, and hospitals. He said Taiwan needs the military on the front line, police to guard key infrastructure, and public support at home to protect peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
