Taiwan Integrates Attack Drones in Major Missile Exercises

President Lai Ching-te oversaw three-day joint combat exercises in Pingtung County, marking the first time the Taiwanese military integrated multiple types of attack drones into joint drills. Conducted at the Jioupeng Base, the exercises featured the launch of domestically developed Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missiles, Tien Kung III surface-to-air systems, and U.S.-made M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).

Lai stated that the coordinated use of uncrewed vehicles and conventional weapons reflects an adaptation to modern warfare and demonstrates the military's ability to defend national sovereignty. During the drills, the Ministry of National Defense reported that a Chinese military drone monitored the activity, flying from southwestern airspace to waters off Taitung.

Parallel to the exercises, Premier Cho Jung-tai announced equipment upgrades for the Coast Guard Administration, including the deployment of nine patrol boats and one 1,000-tonne patrol frigate next year. This move is part of a broader strategy to integrate the coast guard as an auxiliary to the navy during conflicts.

The military activity occurs amid rising threats from China and precedes a September 24 summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump has previously viewed arms sales to Taiwan as a negotiating tool in dealings with Beijing.