Taiwan to Develop 3D Printed ‘Drone Army’

Increasingly, it seems like additive manufacturing could be changing the face of modern warfare. Already in Ukraine, we have seen how 3D printing can be used to create not just tourniquets for those who are injured but also weapons. And now yet another company has jumped on the bandwagon. Along with the US, Taiwan is working on creating a 3D printed ‘drone army’ that it will use to help counter China in the region.

David and Goliath, Ford and Ferrari, Russia and Finland (or Ukraine), history is filled with stories of the underdogs overcoming those who are more powerful than them. But there’s a reason why it’s a trope. It is rare that a state can overcome an adversary that is so much more powerful than them. But with the success of Ukraine in its battle against Russia, it seems Taiwan is seeing how 3D printing can play a role in that struggle.

Located near to China, Taiwan and the other country have not always had the most peaceful relationship (photo credits: BBC)

For those who may not know, the history of Taiwan and China started in 1949 when the ROC government of China relocated to the island, formerly occupied by Japan, amidst a civil war with the Chinese Communist Party. Since then, relations between the two have remained contentious, with both claiming to be the legitimate Chinese government and China denying the legitimacy of Taiwan as an independent nation. In most recent years, Chinese drills around the island have also raised concern and tensions between the nations. This seems to be the core reasoning behind developing this 3D printed ‘drone army.’