Taiwan's air force says its order of four U.S.-made MQ-9B "SkyGuardian" drones from General Atomics remains on schedule, with the first two expected later this year. Officials said deliveries have not been affected by recent Middle East conflicts and that Taipei is coordinating closely with U.S. counterparts. Defence Minister Wellington Koo confirmed the U.S. has not asked Taiwan to redeploy any of its weapons. The update comes amid wider global arms drawdowns and ongoing regional tensions.
Taiwan: MQ-9B "SkyGuardian" Drone Deliveries Remain On Schedule Despite Middle East Strain
Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo reacts during the annual Han Kuang military exercise in Kaohsiung, Taiwan July 14, 2025. REUTERS/Ann Wang
Taiwan's air force said on Tuesday that its purchase of four U.S.-made MQ-9B "SkyGuardian" drones from General Atomics is proceeding on schedule and has not been disrupted by recent conflicts in the Middle East. Taipei expects the first two aircraft to be delivered later this year.
Order Status and Official Statements
In an official statement, the air force confirmed the surveillance and target-acquisition drones are "progressing according to plan" and stressed close coordination with U.S. counterparts to ensure timely delivery and to strengthen Taiwan's overall defence capabilities.
"Deliveries have not been affected by the fighting in the Middle East," the air force statement said.
Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo told reporters at parliament that the United States had not asked Taiwan to redeploy or transfer any of its U.S.-supplied weapons to conflicts in the Middle East. He added that any redeployment would occur only at Washington's request, and so far no such request had been made.
"So far, because of the U.S.–Iran tensions, they have not approached us about making use of any of our related equipment," Koo said.
Wider Context
The announcement comes as the U.S. has drawn down some weapons stockpiles amid multiple conflicts and operations around the world, including those related to Ukraine, Gaza and recent regional tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Taipei has previously reported delivery delays for other systems — notably F-16V fighters — linked to global supply-chain disruptions that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The MQ-9 family has seen extensive operational use in combat zones. Taiwan's confirmation aims to reassure domestic audiences and partners that planned procurements remain on track despite global pressure on defence inventories.
Separately, South Korea's president said Seoul cannot prevent U.S. forces stationed in Korea from redeploying some equipment if the U.S. decides to do so. Meanwhile, Taiwan continues to face growing military pressure from China, which claims the island as its territory — a claim rejected by Taipei.
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