New Delhi: Taiwan has recently demonstrated keen interest in procuring India’s homegrown drone defense system, known as D4 (Detect, Deter, Destroy). This advanced system proved its mettle during Operation Sindoor, where it played a pivotal role in thwarting Turkish-made drones and Pakistan’s kamikaze drones from entering Indian airspace.

The D4 system was developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and is currently produced on an industrial scale by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Zen Technologies. Taiwan’s interest, coming from a nation renowned for its technological expertise, highlights the growing recognition of India’s cutting-edge defense capabilities.

This development emerges amid Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to bolster its defenses against China’s assertive military posture and its declared ambition to assert control over the island under the “One China” policy. India’s successful interception of a large-scale drone attack by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, where not a single hostile drone penetrated Indian territory, has clearly caught Taiwan’s attention.

The D4 system operates by emitting powerful radio frequency waves to disable drone electronics and misdirect their navigation systems, providing comprehensive 360-degree protection. In addition to the D4, Taiwan has also shown interest in a laser weapon developed by DRDO’s Center for High Energy Systems and Sciences.

While India does not officially recognize Taiwan as an independent nation—aligning with the global majority who acknowledge China’s sovereignty claims—India maintains active trade links and informal diplomatic relations with Taiwan through the India-Taipei Association, facilitating such defense technology discussions.