TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Defense Minister Koo Li-hsiung (顧立雄) announced Monday (March 23) that Taiwan's first two MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicles will arrive in the third quarter of 2026, following a showcase ceremony held Tuesday (March 17) in the United States. The Ministry of National Defense (國防部) displayed the high-altitude reconnaissance drones at the U.S. event, which Deputy Minister Hsu Szu-chien (徐斯儉) attended, marking a major advancement in Taiwan's defense capabilities.
Koo made the announcement at the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament, confirming the drone acquisition from the United States forms part of a broader defense strategy to address security threats. The ministry plans to purchase four MQ-9B drones in total, with the U.S. delivering two units in 2026 and two additional units in 2027 to meet Taiwan's urgent defense needs and enhance Republic of China Air Force combat capabilities.
Deputy Minister Hsu witnessed the drones' reconnaissance capabilities firsthand from the flight control seat during the U.S. ceremony and greeted the aircraft upon landing. Ambassador Tah-ray Yui (俞大㵢) of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States, the highest ranking Taiwanese official in Washington, accompanied Hsu at the event. The procurement represents a significant enhancement to Taiwan's defense posture amid ongoing regional security concerns. ◼