Taipei: The first two of the four MQ-9B "SkyGuardian" drones, which Taiwan acquired from the United States, successfully underwent initial flight tests at an air base in eastern Taiwan early Monday, as per information from a source familiar with the matter provided to CNA. The source, who preferred to remain unnamed, mentioned that these test flights were executed at Hualien Air Base, though additional details about the test operations were not disclosed.

According to Focus Taiwan, the tests were conducted following the successful assembly of the two drones, which were delivered to Taiwan earlier this year by the military and the drone manufacturer. The handover ceremony for these drones was attended by Taiwan's Vice Defense Minister Hsu Szu-chien and Representative to the United States Alexander Yui on March 17 in the United States.

The United States has agreed to deliver the four MQ-9Bs to Taiwan in two batches scheduled for 2026 and 2027. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency has indicated that the MQ-9Bs will equip Taiwan with enhanced "intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, target acquisition, and counter-land, counter-sea, and anti-submarine strike capabilities."

Su Tzu-yun, from the Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR), has explained that the MQ-9Bs will bolster Taiwan's battlefield reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities rather than serving as primary offensive weapons. Moreover, Hsieh Pei-shiue, another INDSR researcher, noted in 2020 that these drones can connect to satellite communications networks shared among U.S. allies, enabling Taiwan and the United States to share battlefield intelligence instantly.

This connectivity could facilitate cooperation between Taiwan and the United States during conflicts. For example, in the event of a cross-strait conflict, Washington might use anti-ship missile systems along the first island chain to prevent Chinese vessels from blockading Taiwan, as Hsieh previously explained. The MQ-9Bs, with their capability for long-term, long-range surveillance, could provide crucial intelligence by flying near Chinese vessels, aiding U.S. forces in targeting them effectively.