An Apache and Black Hawk drill in Taiwan shows how Ukraine’s drones are changing helicopter warfare
As its helicopters refueled and rearmed, Taiwan deployed anti-drone teams and jamming guns to defend the vulnerable rotorcraft.
Taiwan conducted a helicopter refueling and ammunition resupply drill, demonstrating how the island is preparing for potential drone threats during chopper operations. The drill, part of the 42nd Han Kuang exercises, involved the 601st Air Cavalry Brigade refueling three helicopters—a Black Hawk, an Apache, and a Kiowa Warrior—at a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) in Taoyuan.
Counter-drone teams, equipped with rifles and anti-drone guns, monitored the skies to protect the vulnerable helicopters from small drone attacks. The presence of these counter-drone units highlights Taiwan's growing focus on drone warfare, as Ukraine's conflict has underscored the vulnerability of helicopters refueling in open areas.
Taiwan's military has been adapting its tactics, dispersing helicopters to avoid concentration losses and rapidly resupplying at FARPs, similar to Ukraine's approach. However, the research fellow at Taiwan's Institute of National Defense and Security Research noted that the island still lags behind in deploying effective, mobile counter-drone systems at the frontline, where rapid response is crucial.
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