Can Drones Save Taiwan? US Needs Range to Counter China’s Growing Swarm

A stark warning has recently been issued by a leading think tank concerning the United States drone fleet being dangerously outmatched in a potential conflict over Taiwan.

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) report, published on June 20, argued that China’s massive fleet of cost-effective unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) arsenal could overwhelm American defenses, leaving the island nation exposed.

Stacie Pettyjohn, CNAS defense director and one of the authors of the report, minced no words: “I don’t know if it’s going to be a fair fight,” she said, quoted by Breaking Defense.

“There are a lot of things that are stacked up against the United States when it’s playing an away game, like it would be in a Taiwan scenario. But I think the US can do a lot of things to level the playing field somewhat,” Pettyjohn added.

Range Anxiety: A Strategic Disadvantage

The US boasts technologically advanced drones like the MQ-9 Reaper, a staple of modern warfare. However, the Reaper’s Achilles’ heel lies in its range – a mere 1,850 kilometers (1,150 miles or 1,000 nautical miles). There’s also the RQ-4 Global Hawk, which can fly up to 14,155 miles (22,779 kilometers).

Nonetheless, this limitation forces the US to rely on bases far from the Taiwan Strait, potentially leaving American forces vulnerable in the early stages of a conflict.

China, on the other hand, could potentially launch drones directly from its mainland, giving them a crucial geographical advantage.

Beyond Range: A Numbers Game

The report goes beyond range limitations.

China’s drone advantage isn’t just about reach; it’s about sheer numbers. Their ability to churn out cheaper drones allows them to potentially overwhelm US defenses with a relentless swarm.

This tactic sometimes referred to as “drone swarm warfare,” could cripple US air defense capabilities and leave critical infrastructure in Taiwan exposed.

A Multi-Pronged Response: The Race Against Time

The CNAS report has offered suggestions that include a multi-pronged response to counter this growing threat.

Firstly, the US needs to invest heavily in a new generation of long-range drones capable of operating effectively in the Taiwan Strait. This includes high-end, sophisticated aircraft alongside a fleet of more expendable, shorter-range drones.

The “layered defense” approach would provide flexibility and redundancy, allowing the US to counter advanced Chinese drones and saturate their defenses with expendable systems.

Secondly, the report emphasized the need for “kamikaze” drones – expendable UAVs programmed for one-way suicide attacks.

These drones could overwhelm Chinese air defenses and potentially take down vital enemy warships.

Taiwan’s Crucial Role: Building Domestic Defenses

The report doesn’t solely focus on the US response, as it also urged Taiwan to invest heavily in its own drone capabilities.

Given the potential for a rapid Chinese invasion, a robust Taiwanese drone force could be critical in the initial stages of a conflict, buying time for US reinforcements to arrive.

You can read the full report here.

The Drone War of the Future? A Looming Showdown

The CNAS report serves as a stark reminder of the rapidly evolving nature of warfare.

Drones are poised to become game-changers on the battlefield, and the potential conflict over Taiwan could be a testing ground for this new technology.

The question remains: can the US adapt its drone strategy fast enough to counter China’s growing swarm and effectively defend Taiwan?

The clock is ticking, and the answer to this question could have profound implications for regional security and the global balance of power.

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Disclaimer: SOFREP utilizes AI for image generation and article research. Occasionally, it’s like handing a chimpanzee the keys to your liquor cabinet. It’s not always perfect and if a mistake is made, we own up to it full stop. In a world where information comes at us in tidal waves, it is an important tool that helps us sift through the brass for live rounds.