MQ-9B drone takes off for first test flight in Hualien

MQ-9B drone takes off for first test flight in Hualien

2026-09-14

The MQ-9B drone that Taiwan procured from the US has finally taken to the skies for a test flight in Hualien. The drone was delivered in June, and cost NT$1.6 billion. Now, after three months of preparation and equipment updates, it is ready to roll. Analysts say the new addition will significantly boost Taiwan’s high-altitude surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Let’s hear more.

Su Tzu-yun
Institute for National Defense and Security Research
We finally saw footage of the MQ-9B on a test flight today. The drone has a special cone-like structure at the bottom. That’s the search radar. That allows it to monitor the Taiwan Strait while flying in Taiwan’s airspace. It gives our military another set of far-seeing eyes.

Wang Ting-yu
Lawmaker (DPP)
It shows that our personnel has been trained up to the necessary standard. That includes the personnel operating the ground station, ground control and everyone involved before and after the drone was delivered. We can make technological breakthroughs, and international cooperation is gaining momentum. The only thing we’re missing is a budget from the Legislative Yuan that can support all this.

The drone combines surveillance and strike capabilities, making it capable of detecting objects as small as rafts and inflatable boats. It has a maximum range of 6,000km and can stay airborne for up to 28 hours with a light payload. With a payload capacity of 1700kg, it can be equipped with advanced sensors, and laser guided bombs. The US Air Force has confirmed that the deal for four MQ-9Bs plus logistics totaled US$457 million, or about NT$15 billion. Two of the drones have already been delivered, with the remaining two expected to reach Taiwan in 2027.

#drone #defense #uav #surveillance #usairforce

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

造價150億台幣! 偵察還能載彈 MQ-9B花蓮首升空

2026-09-14

台灣向美國採購的MQ-9B無人機，今年六月抵台，經過長達三個月的整備、檢裝。14號上午，終於在花蓮空軍基地，首度升空、完成測試。四架包含後勤管制站，造價約150億台幣的無人機，預計未來，將為國軍的高空監偵能量，帶來大幅提升。

[[國防院戰略所所長蘇紫雲]]
“今天所看到MQ-9B試飛的畫面，很特別的是，它機腹下方有一個錐狀物，那就是搜索雷達，所以等於在台灣上空，領空飛翔，就可以對於台灣海峽進行有效的監控，對於國軍來講，又多了一個千里眼。”

[[立委(民) 王定宇]]
“這表背後其實是代表著，我們人員的訓練，不管是地面接收站、地面控制站，以及無人機接收的前後，我們所有人員的編制訓練都已經到位。我們技術上可以突破，國際的合作正在加溫，我們現在唯一欠缺的，是國內在立法院裡面給予預算的支持。”

這款結合偵察、打擊一體化的MQ-9B無人機，不論是海面上的竹筏或是橡皮艇，通通都能清楚掌握。最大航程約6000公里，滯空時間輕載可達28小時，最大載運量達1700公斤。除了能搭載各型先進感測器，還可以掛載雷射導引炸彈。根據美國空軍官方確認的合約金額為4億6，700萬美元，折合新台幣至少約150億元。台灣向美國採購四架MQ-9B無人機，剩下兩架將在2027年全數交貨。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

Related News

Woman hangs wet clothes to dry in the middle of a busy roundabout

2026-09-14

Taiwan airlines updates fleet with brand-new Airbus A321neo

2026-09-14

Taitung cameraman captures rare astronomical phenomenon on camera

2026-09-14

Deep-sea fishing boat almost tramples group of free divers

2026-09-14

Truck selling delicious seasonal produce travels all over Taiwan

2026-09-14

Badminton champ tapped as ‘anti-bribery’ ambassador for upcoming election

As the November election approaches, the Qiaotou District Prosecutors’ Office has invited world badminton champion Tai Tzu-ying to serve as their anti-bribery ambassador. The sports star said her father and prosecutors from the office have long supported the sport. As ambassador, she likened her signature smash to her determination to stamp out election bribery, calling on people to treat elections like sporting competitions where fair play is fundamental.

Taiwan’s badminton superstar Tai Tzu-ting leads officials through a series of stretches in preparation for picking up their rackets.

- Hold it behind you and turn to the side. Don’t block your face with your hand, since we’re taking photos.

With the November elections fast approaching, the Qiaotou District Prosecutors’ Office teamed up with their counterparts in Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Penghu to invite Tai as their anti-bribery ambassador. She got the invite since she’s a Kaohsiung native, and because her father and officials at the office are long-time badminton fans.

Tai Tzu-ying
Badminton champion
During matches, what we value most is fairness. So I think elections are the same. Candidates shouldn’t rely on anything other than their own abilities, and shouldn’t buy votes.

The office also released a promotional video for its official anti-bribery Line account, where the public can easily report unfair election activities.

Kuo Ching-tung
Qiaotou District chief prosecutor
The four prosecutors’ offices in southern Taiwan all work together as a single unit. A powerful smash in badminton is as strong as our crackdown against vote-buying. Through Line—the messaging app that everyone uses the most—anyone can report election misconduct.

As ambassador, Tai called on everyone to treat elections like a sporting competition: free and fair. If anyone spots suspected vote buying, they should report it immediately to help safeguard Taiwan’s democracy together.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#election #votebuying #TaiTzuying #badminton #bribery #QiaotouProsecutorsOffice #freeandfairelections

2026-09-14

High schooler saves the day after school bus sideswipes car!

A school bus driver in Chiayi lost control of his vehicle while driving 20 students home. Despite experiencing a stroke, he continued driving and caused damage along the road. He sideswiped cars and drove against traffic and even wrecked the bus’ side view mirrors. Luckily, a student realized something was wrong and turned off the bus’ engine at a red light, allowing all the students to disembark safely.

- High blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease?
- Yes
- Which one do you have?
- Heart disease
- Do you have high blood pressure?
- No

Paramedics arrived at the scene to find the school bus driver lying limp and weak on the ground; moments earlier, he had been driving students home after school. He suddenly fell ill, prompting terrified students on board to call emergency services for help.

Student involved
Senior High School in Chiayi
The collision happened right after leaving the school, and there were minor scrapes along the way as well.

Students recalled that shortly after driving out of the school gate, the driver sideswiped a white sedan parked by the roadside. After apologizing, he drove off and veered into the oncoming lane, crashing directly into a street lamp, shocking nearby residents.

Member of public
Witnessed the crash
The driver seemed to be experiencing a problem or a medical issue. Both of the side mirrors were missing, as the vehicle hit a car and other things.

Member of public
Witnessed the crash
We were inside when we heard a huge crash, the street lamp’s bulb fell off from the impact of the bus and rolled under the wheels.

The bus driver hadn’t been feeling well, experiencing symptoms resembling a stroke. Paramedics later confirmed it was a case of heat exhaustion. The driver forced himself to continue driving despite his condition. He sideswiped cars and a streetlamp, managing to drive 1.7 km before stopping at a red light. An alert student rushed to the driver’s seat, turned off the engine and guided the other students off the bus.

Student involved
Senior High School in Chiayi
I noticed his body going limp and I felt that something was very wrong, so I turned off the bus’ engine. I was nervous at the time, but I wanted to react before something life-threatening happened.

Mr. Hung
Senior High School Secretary
Fortunately, this student performed a heroic act and prevented a tragedy.

None of the students on board were injured and were promptly picked up by another school bus. The school gave the student a red envelope containing NT$200, commending him for his bravery and for preventing a serious crisis.

#schoolbus #trafficaccident #chiayi #highschool #student

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2026-09-14

VP Hsiao back in Taiwan after 3-day visit to Italy for democracy forum

Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim is back home after a whirlwind three-day visit to Italy, where she took Taiwan’s message of democracy and freedom directly to Europe. Speaking at the Ventotene Forum, Hsiao stood firm against China’s growing military and gray-zone pressure, declaring that Taiwan will continue to walk alongside the world. Her speech won strong support from European figures, but also clearly struck a nerve in Beijing, which protested her appearance. Now back in Taiwan, Hsiao says the trip sends a clear message that Taiwan will not be intimidated.

After a visit to the Island of Ventotene in Italy, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim arrived safely back in Taiwan in the early hours of Monday.

Hsiao Bi-khim
Vice President
With my visit, I wanted to send a strong message: No matter the difficult situation we may be in, Taiwan will continue to walk alongside the world. At the Ventotene Forum, I took part in dialogues about freedom, democracy and peace. That is no coincidence. Freedom is the language we all speak, and peace is the aspiration we all have.

Hsiao stressed that no matter their size, the islands of Taiwan and Ventotene should be treated with equal amounts of respect.

Hsiao Bi-khim
Vice President
Taiwan is facing increasing pressure, due to military moves and gray-zone tactics. But just like our friends in Europe, we remain committed to our free and democratic way of life, while striving to preserve regional peace and prosperity.

Vice President Hsiao and Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung made a quick three-day visit to Italy, where they took part in the Ventotene European Conference for Freedom and Democracy, at the invitation of European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno. In her speech, Hsiao stressed Taiwan’s determination to defend democracy and freedom amid China’s growing military threats, and described Taiwan’s resilience as that of a “War Cat.” Her speech won widespread applause from international participants, but also ruffled feathers in Beijing.

Mao Ning
China Foreign Ministry spokesperson
China has lodged serious protests with Italy and the EU side on the “Taiwan independence” politicians’ attendance at the conference in Italy.

Wang Ting-yu
Lawmaker (DPP)
China was shocked to learn what was happening. They dispatched personnel to disrupt the event and monitor what was happening at the forum. But security officers from the countries involved intervened and ordered them to leave. This all goes to show the close ties between Taiwan and several EU countries. Of course, this is a big diplomatic breakthrough and victory for Taiwan.

President Lai Ching-te shared the post of Hsiao’s arrival on his Facebook, adding that it was Taiwan’s right to engage with the world. He stated that Taiwan would continue to pursue opportunities for exchanges and collaboration internationally, so that the world can see Taiwan.

#italy #ventotene #taiwnanews #diplomacy #蕭美琴

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2026-09-14

Dinosaur-themed healthy food market will delight kids and adults

A dinosaur-themed market will be held on Sept. 18–20 at the Shuei Jiao She Cultural Park in Tainan. While it’s designed to immerse visitors in a prehistoric atmosphere, which will delight kids, delicious food is also a must. The event features specialty snacks from all over Taiwan, such as dried mullet roe, squid and plenty of candies. Timed to coincide with the 2026 Tainan Shopping Festival, the theme of this market is LOHAS: Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability. Let’s find out more.

The table is piled high with candies, cookies, and all kinds of snacks; the other side is also laden with dried goods—such as dried fruit, squid, and mullet roe—all sourced from specialty vendors across Taiwan.

Hu Shen-ho
Chair of national federation of commercial districts
We welcome all our good friends to come enjoy great food, go shopping, and experience the hottest dinosaur game—Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs. Special guests will also be joining us on-site to share in the fun with everyone.

The 2026 Tainan Commercial District "LOHAS Shopping" event is being held this year at the Tainan Shuei Jiao She Cultural Park. The market brings together specialty vendors from across Taiwan to display their wares and sell them, offering visitors a chance to enjoy great food and shopping; however, the event’s biggest highlight is its dinosaur theme, designed to instantly transport attendees back to prehistoric times.

Chiang Ting-hsing
Deputy chair of national federation of commercial districts
We specifically chose Tainan City this year because the 2026 Tainan Shopping Festival is currently underway. Every year, the festival draws enthusiastic participation from tourists who make significant purchases; furthermore, the prize lineup is impressive—spending just NT$50 gives you a chance to win great prizes.

In addition to a fun-filled market, there are lucky draws for shoppers. Come to Tainan’s Shuei Jiao She Cultural Park on Sept. 18, 19 and 20 to experience the dinosaur-themed market —featuring great food, shopping, and entertainment.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#LOHASfoods #Taiwansnacks #Tainanevents #Tainanshoppingfestival #shueijiaosheculturalpark #Tainanactivities #Tainantourism #kidsentertainmment #dinosaurgames

2026-09-14

Dog caught on camera faking hind leg injury

2026-09-14