Unmanned Aerial Vehicle UAV Technology: Countering UAVs Will Become a Major Military Issue

2023.05.16

(Cover image sourced from National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology)

#Politics #Security #UAV #AirForce

According to a recent report from the Bard College Center for the Study of the Drone, 95% of countries worldwide have access to or utilize unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology (Gettinger, 2020). The role of UAVs extends beyond being easily operable aircraft capable of surveillance and weapon deployment; they have evolved into equipment that significantly enhances overall combat capabilities.

Considering the battlefield landscape, when both attacking and defending forces extensively employ UAVs, the most critical issue that arises is how to counter the adversary's UAVs. Integrating effective, real-time detection and interception measures into a kill chain becomes a crucial task for defense forces. Taking the cross-strait situation as an example, as China's military strength increases, the risk of UAV attacks becomes a key factor (Li, 2022).

The performance of Ukraine in repelling the invasion by the military powerhouse Russia since February this year has made "asymmetric warfare" a new focal point in the global defense sector, prompting countries including Taiwan to review their defense policies. Among them, UAVs have stood out prominently. In response to this international trend, Taiwan has established the "Unmanned Aerial Vehicle AI Innovation and Application Research Center" in Chiayi County, officially launched in August this year. The aim is to actively expand the application scope of UAVs and accelerate the development of dual-use military-civilian technology goals (BBC News, 2022).

| Related Introductions |

Medium Unmanned Aircraft System
(Source: AeroVironment Jump 20 – Medium Unmanned Aircraft System. AeroVironment, 2021)

UAV Usage Scenarios
(Source: AdvaNced airCraft Infrastructure-Less Launch And RecoverY (ANCILLARY). DARPA, 2022)

References:

【Military Forum】Increasing Threats from UAVs: Urgency in Countermeasures
Taiwan's Defense Budget Sees Significant Increase in 2023, UAV Research and Development Becomes a Highlight
Gettinger, D. (2020). Drone Databook Update: March 2020. Center for the Study of the Drone at Bard College.