Taoyuan: Defense Minister Wellington Koo has emphasized the significance of utilizing 3D-printing technology to facilitate the rapid resupply of drones on the battlefield, which is a critical aspect of Taiwan's strategy to enhance combat resilience.
According to Focus Taiwan, Koo, alongside Vice Defense Minister Hsu Szu-chien, visited a drone unit stationed in Taoyuan to spotlight the 3D-printing equipment during drills conducted as part of the Han Kuang military exercises. The equipment is designed to produce non-electronic components, such as airframes and weapons bays, essential for maintaining and resupplying drone units.
Koo stated that by developing rapid production capabilities with 3D-printing technology, drone units could establish a decentralized and sustainable maintenance and resupply mechanism, thereby bolstering Taiwan's combat resilience. Su Tzu-yun, a research fellow at Taiwan's Institute for National Defense and Security Research, noted the importance of quickly fabricating drone components, especially when traditional supply lines are disrupted or strained by battlefield demands. This capability would be particularly critical if enemy forces were to destroy a large number of drones, or if deployed drones were damaged.
The recent Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise demonstrated this potential, with the U.S. Navy employing 3D printers aboard vessels to produce drone and naval vessel components, showcasing the ability to fabricate parts rapidly in the field and lessen dependence on shore-based resupply, Su pointed out.
Earlier in the day, Koo received a briefing on the battlefield situation from the combat theater and drone unit and observed military personnel conducting drone reconnaissance and combat operations. He also inspected Air Force units to understand their operational capabilities, force deployments, and security arrangements.