Counter-Drone Program

Intelligence Summary: Counter-Drone Program — Taiwan's DEW Counter-UAS Initiative

Node Identity: Taiwan's Counter-Drone Program is a directed energy weapons (DEW) development initiative led by NCSIST, focused on counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) capabilities against drone swarm threats from the People's Republic of China. The program encompasses the Lightning Protection Laser system, RF-based counter-drone technologies, and integrated air defense concepts combining DEW with conventional systems. The program operates within the context of Taiwan's broader defense modernization amid escalating cross-Strait security tensions.

Strategic Relevance: The Counter-Drone Program represents Taiwan's most direct response to the drone swarm threat posed by the PRC. The FY2026 NDAA conference bill requires the Pentagon to establish a joint drone and counter-drone program with Taiwan, including co-development and co-production of uncrewed systems capabilities, by March 2026. This mandate represents a significant escalation in US-Taiwan defense industrial cooperation, moving beyond arms sales to active co-development of DEW and counter-UAS technologies. The program's emphasis on directed energy solutions reflects the limitations of conventional air defense against large-scale drone swarms — where interceptor missile costs and magazine depth become prohibitive. Taiwan's approach integrates DEW with existing AN/TWQ-1 Avenger air defense systems for layered defense.

Technical Focus / Capabilities: The program's flagship capability is the 50kW Lightning Protection laser weapon system (雷護專案), mounted on CM-32 Clouded Leopard armored vehicles for mobile defense. NCSIST researchers have published analyses of laser effectiveness against specific Chinese drone types including the Chengdu GJ-1 series. Beyond lasers, the program explores RF DEW for electronics disruption and sensor degradation. The FY2026 NDAA co-development mandate will expand the program to include joint US-Taiwan production of counter-drone systems, potentially incorporating US DEW components, sensors, and command-and-control architectures. AIDC's separate 8kW fiber laser DEW (unveiled TADTE 2025, scaling to 12kW by mid-2026 with US Echodyne EchoShield radar) demonstrates a growing industrial base.

Network Linkage: NCSIST leads the Counter-Drone Program as Taiwan's primary defense R&D agency. The Lightning Protection Laser is a key component of this broader program. The FY2026 NDAA mandate connects the program to US defense industrial cooperation, creating a joint US-Taiwan co-development pathway. The program complements Taiwan's conventional air defense systems and integrates with broader Indo-Pacific allied DEW cooperation frameworks.