Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Taiwan Holds First Joint Attack-Drone Combat Exercise During Modernization Push
Taiwan held a three-day military exercise in its southern region.
It was the first time Taiwan’s forces used several kinds of attack drones together in a combat drill.
The exercise also included missiles and HIMARS rockets.
President Lai Ching-te said this showed the military was adapting to modern warfare.
Officials did not say exactly which drones were used.
Taiwan is studying lessons from wars in Ukraine, Russia, and the Middle East.
The government is also working to include the Coast Guard in defense planning.
Lai said these efforts would help Taiwan protect its sovereignty and support regional stability.
Taiwan’s military conducted its first joint combat exercise using multiple types of attack drones.
President Lai Ching-te said the drills demonstrated adaptation to modern warfare.
The three-day exercises also included Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missiles and HIMARS rockets.
The drills took place in southern Taiwan, though officials did not identify the drone types used.
Lai said Taiwan is accelerating military capabilities amid rising tensions and China’s sovereignty claims.
- Who
- Taiwan’s military, overseen by President Lai Ching-te and senior defense officials, conducted the exercise.
- What
- A three-day joint combat drill using multiple types of attack drones alongside conventional weapons.
- When
- This week, with the report dated September 18; the exercise lasted three days.
- Where
- Southern Taiwan.
- Why
- To test weapon effectiveness, adapt to modern warfare, strengthen defense capabilities, and demonstrate Taiwan’s ability to protect its sovereignty.
- Exercise milestone
- Taiwan’s first joint combat exercise using multiple types of attack drones.
- Duration
- Three days.
- Location
- Southern Taiwan.
- Other weapons
- Domestically developed Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missiles and Lockheed Martin-made HIMARS rockets.
- Drone details
- The government did not disclose which drone types were used.
- Defense planning
- Taiwan is working to integrate the Coast Guard into broader defense planning.
- Political context
- Lai Ching-te’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims over Taiwan.