The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) has released a report titled “Swarms Over the Strait,” emphasizing the crucial role drones could play in potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific, particularly between China and Taiwan. Drawing from recent conflicts in Libya, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Ukraine, the report underscores the need for the United States and Taiwan to update their drone strategies for large-scale warfare.
Authored by Stacie Pettyjohn, Hannah Dennis, and Molly Campbell, the report asserts that while drones are integral to modern warfare, they must be integrated with traditional military forces. The study also highlights the vast expanse of the Indo-Pacific region as a significant challenge, recommending the U.S. develop long-range, high-endurance drones.
Key recommendations for the U.S. include: building a diverse drone fleet; pre-positioning drones in Taiwan; developing advanced drone tactics and training; strengthening counter-drone measures; and enhancing industrial capacity and export policies.
For Taiwan, the report advises prioritizing affordable drones, integrating drones with ground forces, enhancing training and collaboration, and developing robust counter-drone defenses.
