TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Army held a drone flying competition Wednesday to boost soldiers’ drone operating skills.

The two-day competition took place at the Army Infantry Training Command, according to the Liberty Times. Nine teams participated, including units from the Army’s Sixth, Eighth, and Tenth Corps, as well as the Kinmen, Matsu, Penghu, and Hualien Defense Commands.

Participants carried out practical exercises in basic operations and tactical applications. Service members were able to hone their skills in urban combat scenarios, reflecting the tempo of combat, including precision control and reconnaissance.

Operators were also tested on control stability, course correction, and altitude management, as well as decision-making and hand-eye coordination. They maneuvered drones through doors and windows of mock buildings and carried out strikes on designated target zones.

The competition comes as the military plans to purchase 7,500 first-person-view drones next year and 26,500 additional ones in 2027. It will also buy 4,140 bombing drones, 4,040 medium-range loitering munitions, 5,860 small loitering munitions, and 710 coastal reconnaissance drones in the next two years.