Taiwan is set to reclassify small drones as consumables, similar to ammunition, rather than categorizing them as durable equipment like aircraft. The decision, modeled on a US policy introduced in July, will simplify procurement and allow lower-level commanders to directly authorize their use. The policy applies to drones weighing up to 55 pounds in Groups 1 and 2, making them easier to integrate into military operations.
According to Su Tzu-yun, Director of the National Defense and Security Research Division, only around 10 percent of small drones successfully hit their targets, making large-scale deployment essential for effectiveness. The new policy is expected to guarantee a steady flow of systems and strengthen collaboration between Taiwan’s armed forces and private drone manufacturers.
Taiwan’s focus on drones reflects its growing concern over a potential Chinese invasion. Drawing lessons from the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, Taipei is working to enhance its asymmetric defense capabilities.
The government has set a goal of procuring 48,750 domestically made drones by 2027, while also integrating drone training into its military programs. Recently, Taiwan received its first batch of Altius loitering munitions from US-based Anduril and unveiled two indigenous designs — a bomb-dropping UAV and a catapult-launched kamikaze drone.
