US think tank calls for ‘hellscape’ drone strategy for TaiwanStaff writer, with CNAA US think tank has urged Taiwan to adopt a "hellscape" strategy that would flood the Taiwan Strait with drones and other uncrewed systems to deter a potential invasion by China. Rather than relying primarily on high-end, limited-number platforms, such as advanced fighter jets or large surface ships, the hellscape concept emphasizes quantity, dispersion and resilience. The study calls for the mass production of affordable drones — including long-range strike systems and first-person view drones — that can operate in contested communications environments. It also recommends building domestic manufacturing capacity and integrating uncrewed systems into a coherent doctrine that links sensors, shooters and command networks. Most recently, as part of a proposed NT$1.25 trillion (US$40 billion) eight-year special defense budget, Taiwan wants to purchase more than 200,000 uncrewed aerial vehicles and 1,000-plus uncrewed surface vehicles, with many of them produced domestically.

Source: Taipei Times February 27, 2026 04:52 UTC