Taiwan's Helicopter Drills: Lessons from the Ukraine War
Taiwan tests helicopter defenses against drone threats in military exercises.
1Taiwan's Defense Preparations
On the seventh day of the 10-day Han Kuang exercises, Taiwan's military tested its preparedness against drone threats during vulnerable helicopter refueling operations. Near a lake in Taoyuan, the 601st Air Cavalry Brigade simulated rapid refueling for three helicopters. Counter-drone teams monitored the skies from grassy areas and nearby roads. The drill aims to protect helicopters during their most vulnerable moments, drawing lessons from the war in Ukraine.
2Helicopters and Refueling Process
The exercise involved an AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter, a UH-60M Black Hawk transport helicopter, and an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior reconnaissance helicopter performing low-altitude refueling. The helicopters remained at a temporary refueling point for about 15 minutes with rotors still spinning. Crews connected collapsible fuel bladders and loaded AGM-114 Hellfire missiles onto the Kiowa Warrior. The drill highlighted the importance of mobile forward arming and refueling points (FARPs) near the front lines.
3Counter-Drone Systems and Shortcomings
The exercise featured an electronic counter-drone gun developed by the state-backed National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology. However, experts note Taiwan lags in this area. Defense analyst Chung Chieh pointed out that counter-drone systems are mostly deployed at fixed locations like airfields, while frontline units rely on short-range jammers. Taiwan needs to accelerate development of mobile, field-deployable counter-drone systems.
4Lessons from Ukraine
The war in Ukraine has shown how helicopters are targeted by drones during refueling. Small explosive-laden drones can strike critical assets behind front lines. Both Ukraine and Russia have adopted strategies like dispersing helicopters and using FARPs to mitigate this threat. Taiwan is following similar tactics, opting for dispersed operations over large helicopter formations.
5Drone Threats in Other Conflict Zones
In Myanmar, resistance groups have used first-person-view (FPV) drones to attack junta-operated Mi-17 helicopters. These incidents underscore the growing threat drones pose to helicopters in modern warfare. Taiwan is intensifying drills to prepare for such attacks. However, the lack of mobile counter-drone systems remains a significant vulnerability in its defense strategy.
6Significance of Han Kuang Exercises
The Han Kuang exercises are Taiwan's most comprehensive military drills, simulating scenarios of a Chinese invasion. This year's August drills involved land, sea, and air forces, as well as civilian and police institutions. The exercises are critical for testing the island's defense capabilities and preparing for potential invasion scenarios. This year's focus on drone threats reflects the impact of the war in Ukraine.
7Shifts in Taiwan's Defense Strategy
Taiwan's military is shifting from large helicopter formations to dispersed operations. Helicopters are now positioned in concealable locations like industrial parks, forests, riverbanks, and even schools. This strategy aims to reduce the risk of detection by drones, as seen in Ukraine. However, the lack of mobile counter-drone systems could limit its effectiveness.
8Future Defense Investments
Taiwan is investing in indigenous defense technologies to counter drone threats. The National Chung-Shan Institute is developing various military technologies, including counter-drone systems. Experts stress the need to accelerate these efforts, particularly for mobile, field-deployable counter-drone systems, which are among Taiwan's most critical defense needs.