Taipei: Taiwan's Apex Aviation has taken a significant step toward establishing the country's first manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) operational framework by acquiring three AR3 drones. This model, utilized in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, represents a strategic enhancement for Taiwan's defense capabilities.

According to Focus Taiwan, the acquisition was formalized when Apex Aviation Chairman Wilson Kao inked the contract with Ricardo Mendes, CEO of TEKEVER, a prominent Portuguese developer and manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles. The AR3 drone is noted for its modular design, enabling swift adaptation of payloads, including synthetic aperture radar and infrared sensors. With over 10,000 flight hours in Ukraine and deployment within the U.K. military for electronic warfare, the AR3 has proven its efficacy in various operational scenarios.

The partnership signifies a major development for Apex Aviation, which has already advanced Taiwan's civilian-operated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities through its Goshawk Project. By integrating TEKEVER's unmanned systems with its manned aircraft, Apex Aviation aims to improve real-time decision-making while minimizing operational risks in gray zone and maritime security missions.

Apex Aviation is also exploring the possibility of local production and technology transfer with domestic partners, as revealed by Chairman Kao. This move could further bolster Taiwan's technological and manufacturing prowess in the aerospace sector.