Taipei: Taiwan’s military anticipates the arrival of the first two of four MQ-9B “SkyGuardian” drones from the United States in the third quarter of the upcoming year, as outlined in the schedule. This update was provided by Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Ching-jan during a session of the Legislative Yuan on Thursday, affirming the progress in the production of these advanced U.S.-made drones.

According to Focus Taiwan, the military’s fiscal year 2025 budget proposal indicates that the remaining two MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones will be delivered in 2027. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency initially announced the sale in 2020, highlighting that the MQ-9Bs would equip Taiwan with critical capabilities such as intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, and counter-land, counter-sea, and anti-submarine strike operations.

In addition to the drones, Taiwan’s military is set to acquire 14 M136 Volcano mine-dispensing systems and 28 Abrams tanks from the United States in 2026. Lee’s statements were in response to concerns from lawmakers regarding delays in U.S. weapons shipments to Taiwan.

Last month, Taiwan’s Air Force reported that it would not receive the complete delivery of 66 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets from the U.S. by the end of 2026, as initially planned, due to challenges related to manpower shortages and supply chain disruptions.