Taiwan's defense officials want to build up unmanned combat power fast, a sign of how much pressure China's growing military activity is putting on the island.

• Drones have become the key new weapon of modern war — cheap, effective, and used up quickly.
• China's harassment around Taiwan has grown steadily since Pelosi's 2022 visit, with drills now closer to the island and closer to real combat.
• China has made drones a national strategic industry and is now a top exporter of both military and civilian models.
• Taiwan wants drones tied into its existing missile and rocket systems, so long-range weapons like HIMARS can actually see their targets.
• Drones may also help fill gaps left by Taiwan's falling birth rate and shrinking pool of soldiers.

Outlook: Taiwan plans to buy attack drones once a year rather than in one big batch, upgrading the required specs each year to keep pace with fast-changing technology.