Taiwan ramps up development of anti-drone systems as PLA security threats grow
- Eight mainland Chinese drones have been identified as crossing the median line in one week, as Beijing increases the frequency of such missions
- Military experts say there is an urgent need for Taiwan to strengthen counter-drone measures to deal with a potential cross-strait conflict
As tensions between Taiwan and China escalate, Taiwan is urgently accelerating its development of anti-drone systems to counter increased drone incursions from China's People's Liberation Army (PLA). In a single week in August, at least eight PLA drones—including reconnaissance and combat types—crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone. Military experts highlight the pressing need for Taiwan to bolster its counter-drone capabilities, especially as PLA drones are increasingly used in surveillance, intimidation, and even in joint combat training exercises with other types of military aircraft. The Taiwanese government has initiated partnerships with civilian companies for developing both military drones and anti-drone systems, backed by a significant budget allocation for the upcoming year.