China Deploys Hundreds of Fighter-Jet Drones Near Taiwan Strait
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council warned that the People's Republic of China is converting hundreds of decommissioned fighter jets into unmanned aerial vehicles and deploying them to air bases near the Taiwan Strait. Analysts suggest these drones could be used in saturation attacks to overwhelm Taiwan's air defenses or serve as decoys during a potential conflict. This tactical shift underscores Beijing's evolving military strategy. Meanwhile, the U.S. has reportedly paused a $14 billion weapons sale to Taiwan to prioritize Middle East munitions needs.
Date: May 22, 2026
Location: China
Conflict: China-Taiwan Conflict
Category: other
Severity: HIGH
Source: Institute for the Study of War