In a significant move to bolster its military capabilities, Taiwan is pressing ahead with the acquisition of advanced U.S. weaponry, reaffirming its commitment to defense modernization amid growing concerns over regional security. The island nation expects to receive the first two of four MQ-9B "SkyGuardian" drones in the third quarter of 2026, with the remaining two scheduled for delivery in 2027, according to Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Ching-jan. This delivery timeline, confirmed during a session of the Legislative Yuan on November 6, 2025, comes as Taiwan faces persistent questions about the reliability and speed of U.S. arms shipments, especially in the context of global supply chain disruptions and heightened international tensions.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones, manufactured by General Atomics, represent a leap forward in unmanned aerial technology for Taiwan. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) described the MQ-9Bs as providing "intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, target acquisition, and counter-land, counter-sea, and anti-submarine strike capabilities." These versatile drones can also be equipped with Hellfire and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, extending their operational reach to both ground and air targets, as reported by Liberty Times. The Air Force has allocated NT$21.72 billion (approximately US$718 million) for the four drones, underscoring the scale of investment in this next-generation technology.
Addressing lawmakers’ concerns about potential data security risks, the Air Force categorically denied that intelligence gathered by the MQ-9Bs would be transmitted to the U.S. or Japan before reaching Taiwan’s military command. According to Liberty Times, officials clarified that "all information will go directly to Taiwan’s military and will not be shared with the US or Japan." To support operations, two ground control stations are set to be deployed at Air Force bases in Chiayi and Hualien, ensuring robust command and control infrastructure for the new fleet.
The MQ-9B delivery is just one piece of a broader defense modernization puzzle. Taiwan is also on track to receive 14 M136 Volcano mine-dispensing systems and the final batch of 28 M1A2T Abrams main battle tanks from the U.S. in 2026, further strengthening its ground forces. The M136 Volcano system adds a rapid mine-laying capability, crucial for deterring amphibious assaults or slowing enemy advances in the event of conflict.
Perhaps most notably, Taiwan activated its first M1A2T Abrams main battle tank battalion on November 5, 2025, marking a milestone in the island’s efforts to phase out its aging CM-11 Brave Tiger tanks. The new battalion, operated by the 3rd Combined Arms Battalion of the 584th Armored Brigade, is the product of a 2019 deal in which Washington approved the sale of 108 Abrams tanks to Taipei. The initial batch of 38 tanks arrived in December 2024, followed by 42 more in July 2025, with the remaining 28 expected next year.
Training on the Abrams began in February 2025, led by U.S.-trained Taiwanese instructors, ensuring that crews are well-versed in the tank’s sophisticated systems. The M1A2T variant boasts a 120-mm smoothbore gun capable of piercing up to 850 mm of rolled steel at combat range, a hunter-killer sighting system, digital controls, a remote weapon station, and a networked information system for real-time data sharing between units. According to Focus Taiwan, the tanks are intended primarily for urban warfare scenarios, though they could also play a role in traditional beach counterattacks, reflecting Taiwan’s asymmetric defense strategy.
At the commissioning ceremony for the new battalion, President Lai Ching-te emphasized the importance of pairing modern equipment with updated training and strategic thinking. He reiterated the government’s commitment to a doctrine of "resolute defense and multilayered deterrence," a stance echoed by military analysts and retired officers. Sheu Jyh-shyang of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research told Focus Taiwan that the Abrams’ urban warfare capabilities are especially valuable, while retired officer Huang Chun-min noted the tanks’ potential utility in beach counterattacks.
These developments occur against a backdrop of persistent challenges. Taiwan’s Air Force recently acknowledged that it would not receive all 66 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets from the U.S. by the end of 2026 as originally planned, citing manpower shortages and ongoing supply chain disruptions. This delay has fueled anxieties among lawmakers and defense officials, who are keenly aware of the need to maintain a credible deterrent posture amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
Despite these setbacks, Taiwan’s broader military modernization continues apace. The island has unveiled a three-tiered drone strategy, accelerated the rollout of the T-Dome multi-layered air defense system, and made significant investments in both personnel training and technological upgrades. The integration of MQ-9B drones and Abrams tanks is seen as a cornerstone of this effort, enhancing Taiwan’s ability to monitor, deter, and, if necessary, respond to potential threats from across the strait.
Beyond the hardware, the ongoing partnership between Taiwan and the United States remains a focal point of regional security discussions. The arms transfers, while sometimes delayed, signal Washington’s continued support for Taipei’s self-defense, even as the U.S. balances its own global commitments. The activation of the Abrams battalion and the scheduled arrival of advanced drones send a clear message about Taiwan’s resolve to defend itself and the importance of international cooperation in maintaining peace and stability in East Asia.
As Taiwan awaits the arrival of its new drones and tanks, the military is not standing still. Training regimens are being updated, operational doctrines refined, and infrastructure prepared to absorb the incoming technology. The coming years will test the island’s ability to integrate these advanced systems into its defense architecture, but for now, officials remain confident that the modernization drive is on track—delays and all.
In the end, Taiwan’s defense modernization is as much about signaling intent as it is about acquiring equipment. Each new delivery, each battalion commissioned, and each system deployed serves as a reminder that the island is determined to chart its own course and safeguard its future in an increasingly uncertain world.
