Experts see drones as potential game-changer in Taiwan defense strategy
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Drones could emerge as a crucial and cost-effective deterrent to a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, according to Hudson Institute senior fellow Bryan Clark on Wednesday (July 10).
Clark argued that traditional naval expansion might be impractical due to budgetary limitations, per CNA. He suggested the high cost of defending Taiwan, potentially outlined in classified or declassified documents, could deter the United States from full commitment.
However, Clark believed the U.S. Navy could glean valuable lessons from Ukraine's success against Russia's Black Sea Fleet. Despite having a limited naval presence initially, Ukraine managed to push Russian forces eastward, securing shipping lanes and enabling attacks on Crimea.
Clark emphasized Taiwan's geography as particularly suited for drone warfare. The narrow Taiwan Strait and limited landing sites create a bottleneck, making it easier for drones to disrupt or halt a Chinese invasion fleet.