Against a backdrop of escalating military tensions with mainland China, Taiwanese citizens are taking to the skies – or rather, to drone piloting courses. The training programmes, which have become increasingly popular in recent months, aim to equip civilians with a valuable skillset that could prove invaluable in the event of a crisis. Inspired by Ukraine's resistance against Russian forces since 2022, these initiative-driven classes are being run by civil defence NGO Kuma Academy in Taipei, with participants of all ages and backgrounds flocking to learn.
One such participant is Pan Chien-chin, a 48-year-old food company worker who has enrolled on the course. "The war in Ukraine has shown us just how crucial drones have become," he explained. "I'm learning this skill not only for myself but also as a way to contribute, should I be needed." Karren Wang, a 65-year-old retiree, shares similar sentiments, viewing drone piloting as an opportunity to make a difference despite her age. The courses focus on the battlefield capabilities of drones, equipping participants with hands-on experience and knowledge of their potential in civil defence.
The surge in drone training is part of a wider movement in Taiwan, where civil defence groups are becoming increasingly active. More than 30 local volunteer-led organisations have set up shop across the island, offering emergency rescue and first aid training to citizens. In Taipei alone, over 39,000 drones were registered by December last year – with the minimum registration age lowered to 14 this year – while some high schools on the island are now offering summer camps focused on drone assembly and search-and-rescue applications.
Kuma Academy's drone piloting course is in high demand, with sessions fully booked through August. Approximately 75 individuals are being trained each month, drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds and ages – more than half of whom are women. The emphasis lies in manual piloting skills, as the Taiwanese-made drones used for training lack GPS or self-driving technology.
While the primary goal is not to arm civilians with combat capabilities, the training empowers individuals to take on a more active role in observing risks and sharing vital information – aligning with Taiwan's broader efforts to develop a “China-free” global supply chain for unmanned aerial vehicles. This strategic independence is crucial given the geopolitical tensions in the region. The UK Government continues to monitor regional stability closely, maintaining its travel advice for Taiwan through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).