Taiwan has expanded its civilian surveillance program as small companies join efforts to monitor Chinese military activity. Apex Aviation, a Taiwanese operator known for pilot training and charters, is flying light aircraft equipped with advanced US-made radar. Consequently, the company collects real-time data on Chinese warships in waters east of Taiwan. The operator plans to share intelligence with Taipei’s security forces.
The government has recently encouraged private firms to participate in defense initiatives under its “whole of society resilience” plan. Additionally, organizations are asked to strengthen cyberdefenses, logistics, communications, and potentially reconnaissance.
Unlike other defense contractors, Apex intends to operate its surveillance program independently. However, it remains open to transferring equipment and intelligence to authorities. Apex chairman Wilson Kao emphasized urgency, saying Chinese drills are occurring more frequently and closer to Taiwan’s shores.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defense has maintained caution. The ministry claims it can monitor Chinese activity effectively and currently has no plans for collaboration. Nevertheless, officials said they remain open to new proposals, stating, “The ministry welcomes discussions on public-private collaboration to strengthen national defense build-up.”
The Coast Guard Administration has also begun expanding reconnaissance efforts, prioritizing drones before gradually introducing manned aircraft. Apex has invested more than NT$400 million to convert an 11-seater Tecnam P2012 Traveller into a reconnaissance plane. Its radar can detect objects as small as 30 by 30 centimeters.
Furthermore, the company sees business potential beyond Taiwan. It plans to offer a low-cost patrol service to friendly governments in the region, rapidly building fleets of aircraft and drones. Experts caution, however, that civilian surveillance operations must follow legal frameworks and could expose private aircraft to risks from Chinese forces.
Civilian surveillance also offers a cost advantage. Operating a light reconnaissance plane may cost one-tenth as much as a military aircraft. Nonetheless, safety concerns remain after Chinese military planes repeatedly approached one of Apex’s medical charter flights in June.
In response, Kao stressed commitment to the mission. “I’m just doing the right thing. I won’t back down because of harassment,” he said.
The government’s push for civilian involvement reflects broader efforts to counter increasing operational pressure from Chinese military activities. A senior security official emphasized that innovative public-private solutions are essential to relieve stress on Taiwan’s armed forces.
