Taiwan’s military set up the first drone training center earlier this year. Now they share the results with the public.
A shuttle drone equipped with explosives takes off on a mission. The pilot keeps a close eye on the target as the drone makes impact, blowing a vehicle to pieces. This is the first time the military has released footage of drone operation training.
The drone training center was set up earlier this year and the latest results are now on display to the public. However, training pilots to qualify for battlefield operations is no easy task.
Former Air Force Deputy Commander Chang Yen-ting (張延廷) emphasized that, facing the threat from China, the military must consider both the quantity and quality of drone pilots. Chang suggested that all soldiers should go through drone training, operating drones by passing a series of tests and even participating in competitions.
The Ukraine-Russia war has shown that drones are now a crucial part in asymmetric warfare, their flexibility bringing more mission options. Drones can carry mortars, grenades, or even a grenade launcher. Combined with the speed, altitude, and vantage point, the army can use drones to expose and attack any target.
As drones have become an indispensable force on the ever-changing battlefield, Taiwan’s military is quickly catching up, training pilots with the aim of integrating drones into the military force.
Written by Samuel Feng