A civil defense program to train people in drone operation has launched in Taiwan
Taiwan has launched its first civil defense program, in which citizens are trained to operate drones. Both young people and older adults concerned about the growing threats from China are signing up for the courses.
In Taipei, 48-year-old Pan Jianjin, along with a group of participants, is undergoing basic drone pilot training in a small classroom.
He says he had no previous experience flying drones, but even during his first few sessions, he was able to successfully navigate the drone through a course of cones.
“The war in Ukraine has really changed the approach to using drones. It’s as if I’ve gained another skill that I can use if the need ever arises,” he said.
The program was launched in May. It is part of a broader civil defense movement in Taiwan, which is increasingly drawing on Ukraine’s experience in using drone technology during the war with Russia.
In addition to drone piloting, courses on first aid and emergency response are actively being developed on the island. Currently, there are more than 30 volunteer civil defense groups in operation.
According to representatives of Kuma Academy, the goal of the course is not to provide military training to civilians, but to develop their observation and response skills in the face of threats.
“The course is not intended to arm civilians. Instead, it helps people move from passive defense—hiding in shelters—to a more active role: monitoring threats and sharing information,” explained the organization’s spokesperson, Tan Zong-yi.
According to Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration, the number of registered drones exceeded 39,000 in December.
In 2024, the minimum age for registering drones was lowered to 14. Schools in Taipei are already holding summer camps where students are taught to assemble and use drones in rescue operations.
Demand for the courses is so high that spots are booked several months in advance, and about 75 participants complete the training each month.
This was reported by The Guardian.
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