Taiwan is taking a decisive step in modernizing its defense by entering into an important partnership. The National Chongshan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), Taiwan's leading defense developer, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the American technology company Anduril Industries, known for its advanced artificial intelligence systems and autonomous platforms. The purpose of the agreement is the purchase and, probably, the joint adaptation of a control system called NGC2 (Lattice NGC2) and related unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
What is NGC2? This is not just a program, but a whole network of combat control created by Anduril. Its main task is to dramatically speed up and improve the decision—making process on the battlefield. The system does this by combining data from all available sensors — radars, cameras, and reconnaissance platforms — into a single, overall picture. Then, using powerful AI algorithms, it analyzes this information and provides action recommendations to commanders and combat platforms (shooters), turning the chaos of combat into a coordinated operation. In fact, NGC2 transforms disparate systems into a single, "smart" organism.
This cooperation is a key part of Taiwan's strategy to create an asymmetric force. Given China's huge advantage in traditional weapons, Taiwan is betting on technologies that can offset this advantage: cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and, above all, unmanned systems. Investments in drones are well underway.
The planned drones, which will operate in the NGC2 system, are positioned as "loyal wingmen" for manned aircraft. They don't just fly ahead, but actively participate in combat, performing the most dangerous and difficult tasks: conducting electronic warfare to jam enemy radars, suppressing air defense systems, and even participating in aerial combat. This allows pilots to stay relatively safe by controlling a group of drones and making strategic decisions while the machines perform tactical maneuvers.
Partnering with Anduril is not just about buying equipment. This is Taiwan's attempt to adopt an advanced American approach to network warfare, where speed, data, and autonomy are becoming crucial factors for survival.