Taiwan is developing a low-cost kamikaze drone similar to Iran's Shahed-136. Analysts suggest that if deployed en masse, this drone could thwart Chinese landing forces and strike targets on the Chinese mainland.
The 'Papa Delta (PD)-136' attack drone, developed by Taiwan's defense contractor Thunder Tiger (known as Lei Hu Ke Ji in Chinese), was showcased at the recent Association of the United States Army (AUSA) defense exhibition in Washington, drawing significant interest, according to the Hong Kong South China Morning Post on October 22.
The PD-136 features triangular wings and a rear propeller, resembling the Shahed-136. As seen in the Ukraine and Iran conflicts, the mass deployment of inexpensive attack drones poses a substantial burden on air defense systems. Thunder Tiger reports that the PD-136 is designed to use a self-developed 250cc engine, carry a payload of 10 to 15 kg, and fly over 300 km. Some defense media outlets have indicated a target range of approximately 500 km, which could put parts of China's Fujian Province within reach.
The drone completed launch and flight tests in Yunlin County, Taiwan, on October 2. However, the tests did not verify the claimed range. Details regarding its navigation system, electronic warfare capabilities, and warhead performance have not been disclosed. The Taiwanese military has not officially announced plans to purchase the PD-136.
Opinions on the PD-136 vary. Timothy Heath, a defense consultant at Perceptum, noted that the drone's slower speed could make it vulnerable to interception when attacking radar bases on the Chinese mainland. He suggested that it might be more effective for targeting troops and equipment after a Chinese landing.
Peter Layton, a researcher at the Griffith Asia Institute in Australia, analyzed that the drone could target airfields and ports on the Chinese mainland. He argued that deploying it alongside cruise missiles and ballistic missiles could further strain air defense systems, potentially forcing them to expend costly missiles against cheaper drones. However, Layton cautioned that its effectiveness might be limited against hardened targets like underground facilities or reinforced bunkers.
In April, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense outlined plans to acquire over 210,000 drones, including those with autonomous navigation and cooperative operation capabilities. The initial goal is to target landing forces, armored units, and transport vehicles. While the PD-136 is designed for low-cost mass production, details on the actual purchase quantity and unit cost remain undisclosed.
China is also preparing for potential threats. State-run CCTV reported in January that the Chinese Navy conducted training to intercept simulated swarms of kamikaze drones using ship-mounted missiles and other defense systems. Experts suggest that China may enhance its response capabilities with radar-controlled 30mm anti-aircraft guns and low-cost intercept drones.
If Taiwan successfully acquires a large number of low-cost kamikaze drones while China strengthens its air defense systems in response, the military competition across the Taiwan Strait could enter a new and intensified phase. The operational deployment and performance of the PD-136 remain uncertain, but its strategy to exhaust the enemy's air defenses with inexpensive attack drones could become a significant factor in any future conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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