Taiwan has developed suicide drones similar to those Ukraine uses in its war against Russia to strengthen defense against potential Chinese aggression, the Financial Times reported on 27 June.
The new strike drone called Overkill has completed combat trials and certification. The drone features artificial intelligence systems and Auterion cameras – the same technologies that help Ukrainian drones destroy Russian tanks and military targets.
Development proceeds jointly with Thunder Tiger company and the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST). Auterion CEO Lorenz Meier stated these drones provide Taiwan with capabilities Ukraine has already demonstrated in real combat operations.
Overkill suicide drones are maneuverable munitions with first-person view (FPV) controlled by operators.
"The lessons learned from the war in Ukraine are definitely applicable to a potential conflict with China," Meier said. "The drone will easily destroy a Chinese warship if it lacks air defense."
Thunder Tiger has agreed to Auterion software licenses for 25,000 drones, with some intended for export. The government is developing a special drone procurement budget planned for submission this fall.
Taiwan seeks to reduce dependence on Chinese components by establishing closer ties with American defense industry. Drone exports represent a major opportunity, particularly in Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia, where demand runs high for technology without Chinese parts.
Taiwan launched an intensive military drone development program three years ago, though production remains below planned targets. New developments like Overkill demonstrate progress and the country's readiness to strengthen defensive capabilities amid rising regional tensions.
The island previously adopted Ukraine's experience and tested its own naval drones. On 3 June, Ukraine's Security Service conducted a special operation destroying the illegally constructed Kerch Bridge built by Russian occupiers. Russia acknowledged the explosion but claimed no damage occurred.
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