Taiwan has confirmed the acquisition of 36 Rui Yuan II drones under a special budget of US$402 million, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2029.
The program, which had been subject to speculation about possible delays, is now officially approved, reinforcing the country’s efforts to expand long-range surveillance, maritime reconnaissance, and electronic intelligence capabilities.
The new UAVs will gradually replace manned aircraft, reducing operational costs and extending ISR mission range. With a wingspan of 12 meters, a range of up to 2,000 km, and advanced communication systems resistant to jamming, the Rui Yuan II has already demonstrated its capabilities in recent exercises, transmitting real-time imagery via microwave, satellite, and mobile networks directly to command centers.
The project includes the construction of prototypes with different payloads by NCSIST, which will select the final variant before mass production. In addition to surveillance and electronic warfare versions, the platform is being tested for future integration of modular attack payloads, signaling a significant advancement in Taiwan’s technological autonomy amid the increasingly tense strategic environment in the Strait.
Source: Defence Blog | Photo: X @ELMObrokenWings | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense confirmed a USD $402 million plan to acquire 36 Rui Yuan II drones by 2029.The drones will replace manned aircraft for ISR roles and reduce operational costs, according to a legislative briefing. pic.twitter.com/XB1KH7I4H7
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