The Republic of China (ROC) Armed Forces brought multiple types of attack drones into a joint live-fire exercise for the first time in Pingtung County, days before a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
The three-day drill linked attack unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and precision weapons with reconnaissance assets and command networks.
Forces used shipborne and mobile radars, drones, and a battlefield awareness system to practice finding, identifying, assigning, and striking targets, simulating a full kill chain.
“The coordinated use of unmanned vehicles … represents the ROC Armed Forces’ efforts to accelerate the enhancement of its overall combat capabilities in response to modern warfare,” Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te remarked during an inspection of the drills.
“It also demonstrates to the Taiwanese people and the international community that the ROC Armed Forces have the confidence and ability to defend national sovereignty and fulfill its responsibilities for regional peace and stability.”
Other Arsenal Showcased
In addition to the attack drones, the exercise also featured various precision munitions.
Forces fired HIMARS rockets and Patriot II air defense systems, while Mirage fighters launched MICA air-to-air missiles.
Naval and coast guard vessels deployed Hsiung Feng II and III anti-ship missiles, while ground units launched land-based Chien-II missiles and Standard Missile 1 surface-to-air weapons.
Ahead of Trump-Xi Meeting
Trump is scheduled to meet Xi at the White House on September 24, during the Chinese leader’s September 23–25 US visit.
Taiwan arms sales are expected to be a point of contention, though the outcome of the talks remains uncertain.
Beijing persistently claims the self-governed island as its territory, while Washington remains legally bound to assist Taiwan with its self-defense capabilities.
