Taiwan is rapidly developing a large-scale drone army, drawing lessons from the conflict in Ukraine, to defend against a potential invasion by China. Formerly known for its radio-controlled hobby products, the Taiwanese company Thunder Tiger is now mass-producing unmanned vessels designed to increase the cost and complexity of any Chinese military operation. These drones are intended to be a key component of Taiwan’s defense strategy. The move reflects a growing concern over China’s increasing military pressure. Iltalehti was granted access to observe the drone manufacturing process firsthand. This industrial-scale production signifies a significant shift in Taiwan’s approach to national security, prioritizing asymmetric warfare capabilities. The drones aim to make a Chinese attack prohibitively expensive and challenging.