TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Tengyun II drone, designed by the National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology, has completed combat reevaluations.
Future efforts will focus on further improving its performance to prepare for potential mass production, sources familiar with the matter said. In March, areas for improvement were identified during combat evaluations, Liberty Times reported.
The Tengyun II is an improved version of the Tengyun. It is capable of flying 20 hours and has double the range of the original prototype. It is capable of all-weather day and night operations.
It has autonomous takeoff and landing capabilities, multiple guidance control links, and ground-networked guidance control functions. Various equipment can be fitted onto the drone, including electronic optical devices and infrared sensors.
As Taiwan will receive four American SeaGuardian UAVs in 2026 and 2027, the Tengyun II could work in tandem with the U.S.-made drones, conducting reconnaissance in the Western Pacific Ocean near the Miyako Islands, as well as around the Dongsha and Nansha Islands. This would enhance Taiwan’s early warning systems and improve the deployment of forces.
NCSIST is already mass producing the Albatross UAV, adopted by the Navy, and the Cardinal drone, procured by the Army and Marine Corps.