Taiwan Integrates Attack Drones Into Major Combat Drills

2026, September 18

Taiwan

Taiwan has conducted its first joint combat exercise using multiple types of attack drones, combining them with conventional weapons including Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missiles and U.S.-made HIMARS rockets. President Lai Ching-te said the exercise demonstrated how Taiwan's military is adapting to modern warfare and accelerating its defence capabilities.

The drills come shortly before a planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the United States on September 24. Taiwan's military modernization and U.S. arms support remain highly sensitive issues in relations between Washington, Beijing and Taipei.