TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — With the delivery of four MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones expected to begin next year, the Air Force is likely to complete hangar construction by the end of 2025, reports said Saturday.

The unmanned aerial surveillance vehicles from General Atomics in the US cost a total of NT$21.72 billion (US$718.18 million). Deliveries are scheduled for 2026 and 2027.

When plans emerged that the Air Force would house all four drones in one location, legislators protested that such an arrangement would make them an easy target for enemy air attacks, Liberty Times reported. Lawmakers froze NT$500 million of the project budget until the military revised its plan.

In response, the Air Force said it would reevaluate the proposal in coordination with the US. A contract was signed last year for the construction of a control tower, hangars, parking apron, and taxiway.

Design and basic infrastructure work is currently underway, with completion expected by the end of this year. The Air Force said it is maintaining close contact with Taiwan’s military mission in the US and the relevant department within the US Air Force.