UAVs at TADTE 2023 highlight Taiwan’s defence aspirations
This is the Loitering Unmanned Aircraft Type II, with its HMMWV launcher vehicle visible in the background. (Photo: Charles Au)
The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology (NCSIST) unveiled several new UAVs at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE) 2023.
As a state-owned enterprise, NCSIST reflects the administration’s intentions and, inspired by events in Ukraine, Taiwan is investing more resources in autonomous systems.
Taiwan showcased the Chien Hsiang loitering munition in 2019, and work to perfect the system has been ongoing. With NCSIST leading the programme, cooperation with the private sector to boost R&D has produced a product that can satisfy the needs of Taiwanese troops facing an existential threat from China.
The Chien Hsiang is launched
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
Only 25% of the US Pentagon’s F-35 fleet has been fully mission capable, GAO says
The fighter jet remains a combat necessity, but sustainment challenges continue to limit its readiness. In the meantime, the US Air Force seeks billions in funding to improve the F-35's availability.
-
Eurosatory 2026: How the deep-strike, loitering munition market skyrocketed to $13.8 billion in three years
Ukraine’s rapid development of long-range, deep-strike loitering munitions has helped turn the sector into a market worth an estimated US$13.2 billion. The reasons behind this were outlined during Eurosatory 2026, as other countries embark on the early stages of procuring this capability.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Why security agencies are expanding UAS operations across Europe
Uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) are an increasingly important tool for Europe’s law enforcement and public security agencies, with the past two years seeing rapid growth in operational deployment, procurement and regulatory acceptance.
-
Fuselage of the first US Army MV-75 Cheyenne tiltrotor “is nearing completion”
Bell is advancing construction of the US Army’s next-generation MV-75 Cheyenne tiltrotor as FLRAA programme approaches testing, production and future battlefield deployment.