German outlet Der Spiegel recently published a cover story, Drohnenkrieg in Gaza, Ukraine, Kaukasus Leise bringen sie den Tod aus der Luft, examining how drone technology is fundamentally reshaping modern warfare, citing remarks from Cathy Fang, Policy Analyst of the National Security Program at Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology (DSET). Fang stressed that as an island state, “Taiwan must move beyond the notion of drones as purely aerial vehicles,” adding that sea drones will play a crucial role in deterring a potential Chinese invasion.
The report notes that since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, drones have evolved from supporting reconnaissance tools into central battlefield weapons. Both Russia and Ukraine now produce millions of drones annually, which are deployed around the clock for tasks ranging from dropping mines and striking tanks to attacking supply lines and even engaging in drone-on-drone combat. Ulrike Franke of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) observed that drones have brought military history to a turning point and warned that states unable to keep pace with this technological shift risk being “overrun.” Drones have become pivotal variables across global conflicts.
Discussing the Indo-Pacific, Fang underscored that “for Taiwan, sea drones can serve as a far more effective deterrent against China than aerial drones,” calling for investment in surface and underwater unmanned systems to protect Taiwan’s surrounding waters and critical infrastructure. The article also mentioned that the German Navy has tested the 11-meter, 5.5-ton “Blue Whale” underwater drone in the Baltic Sea for anti-submarine surveillance and plans to deploy it more widely in the coming years.
Der SPIEGEL further highlighted the explosive growth of the global drone market, projected to expand from around USD 16 billion today to nearly USD 50 billion by 2030. While U.S. startups such as Anduril are rapidly rising, China now holds 80% of the world’s drone patents, and low-cost models from DJI and Autel are being modified by both Russian and Ukrainian forces to carry grenades—similar models are also used by Israel in the Gaza conflict—cementing China’s position as the world’s leading drone producer and exporter.
The report concluded that the proliferation of drone warfare is not only reshaping global military strategy but also forcing countries to rethink defense procurement and force structure, with drones rapidly shifting from auxiliary tools to core weapons that can determine the course of war.
