Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense unveiled a major procurement effort designed to reduce a widening drone defense gap. The plan aims to secure lightweight anti-UAV systems that can jam, spoof, or seize control of hostile drones. Because the drone defense gap continues to influence regional security planning, officials stressed the urgency behind the new proposal.
The ministry proposed a NT$9.67 billion program to acquire 635 counter-UAV systems over three years. Moreover, the initiative still requires legislative approval before contracts move forward. Officials noted that rising drone threats now require faster innovation and broader equipment deployment.
According to the proposal, each system must detect more than 10 targets within a 4km radius. Additionally, the systems must refresh imagery every second to maintain situational awareness. They must also engage drones across a broad spectrum ranging from 433 megahertz to 5.8 gigahertz and reach targets up to 2km away.
Furthermore, the ministry emphasized mobility. Each unit must fit onto light tactical vehicles, civilian vehicles, or small boats. As a result, field teams can reposition systems quickly. Setup must also take no longer than 15 minutes and require no more than two operators.
The procurement plan specifies tight delivery deadlines. Within 180 days of receiving a contract award, manufacturers must supply 242 units for testing. After the first batch passes required performance checks, they must deliver 393 additional systems within another 180 days.
Supplemental documents outlined planned allocations. Consequently, the army will receive 242 systems, while the navy will take 213 units. The air force will receive 72 systems. Meanwhile, the Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command will gain 108 units.
Funding will come from special budgets scheduled for next year, 2027, and 2028. Therefore, the program aligns with Taiwan’s broader modernization roadmap.
However, a defense expert expressed concerns about a persistent drone defense gap. They argued that the proposed systems might not provide enough range to maintain continuous protection. They also warned that the numbers may fall short when countering large drone swarms.
Additionally, the expert noted limitations in cybertakeover and GPS spoofing features. These tools depend on access to enemy command signals, which may not exist on encrypted or unknown frequencies. Consequently, the systems could fail against drones using advanced navigation links.
The expert urged the military to accelerate development of fast-decrypting algorithms and updated signal libraries. Without these upgrades, they said, counter-UAV operations may fall behind evolving threats.
Looking ahead, analysts believe Taiwan must strengthen electronic warfare capabilities as drone tactics advance. They also expect lawmakers to scrutinize the plan before giving final approval. Ultimately, the drone defense gap will continue to shape Taiwan’s strategic and budgetary decisions.
