Taiwan Eyes India’s Indigenous D4 Anti-Drone System After Its Success Against Turkish Drones in Pakistan

In a major testament to India's growing defense manufacturing capabilities, Taiwan has officially expressed interest in purchasing the indigenous D4 anti-drone system developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The request marks a significant moment in strategic Indo-Pacific defense relations and underscores the increasing global trust in Indian-made defense systems under the 'Make in India' initiative.

The D4 system—short for Drone Detect, Deter, and Destroy—has earned international attention after demonstrating its operational excellence along the India-Pakistan border. Most notably, the system was used successfully to neutralize a fleet of Turkish-origin drones launched by Pakistan. These drones, believed to be Bayraktar variants or similar models, were shot down or jammed using D4's advanced electronic warfare suite and directed-energy weapons.

What is the D4 Anti-Drone System?

The D4 system is a comprehensive counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solution developed by DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). It integrates multiple layers of defense—including radar, electro-optical sensors, RF detectors, jammers, and kill mechanisms—designed to identify, track, and neutralize rogue drones.

Key Specifications and Features:

• Detection Capabilities:

  • AESA-based radar for 360-degree coverage

  • Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) tracking for day and night operations

  • RF detectors to identify communication signatures of drones

• Neutralization Methods:

  • RF/GNSS jamming to disrupt navigation and control signals

  • High-energy laser system (2kW+) for hard kill option

  • Directed microwave energy for swarm drone mitigation

• Range and Response Time:

  • Detection range of up to 4 km for micro-drones

  • Engagement range up to 2 km for jamming and directed-energy attacks

  • Real-time automatic threat classification and response deployment

• Mobility and Integration:

  • Available in both fixed and mobile variants

  • Compatible with military vehicles, ships, and critical infrastructure

  • Can be integrated into broader air defense command networks

Why is Taiwan Interested?

Taiwan, increasingly vulnerable to the threat of swarm drone incursions and asymmetric warfare tactics from China, is actively modernizing its counter-drone defenses. The island nation is looking for compact, reliable, and proven anti-drone technologies that can be quickly deployed around sensitive installations, including airports, military bases, and civilian zones.

The D4 system’s successful interception of Turkish-origin drones in actual operational settings against Pakistan adds to its credibility. For Taiwan, the decision to consider the D4 is not just about buying a piece of equipment—it’s about acquiring battle-tested technology from a trusted partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

A New Milestone for 'Make in India'

The potential export of the D4 system to Taiwan would mark a significant milestone in India’s defense export journey. From being a net importer of arms, India is now poised to become a key supplier of high-end defense technologies to friendly nations.

Taiwan’s approach comes on the heels of interest shown by other nations like Armenia and the Philippines in various Indian defense platforms. India’s growing clout in the global defense market reflects the success of its policy to design, develop, and deploy indigenous systems capable of matching or surpassing imported alternatives.

Strategic Implications

If the deal materializes, it could have wider implications for India-Taiwan defense cooperation, which until now has largely remained discreet due to regional sensitivities involving China. An open transfer or sale of military hardware would signal a more assertive stance by India in supporting regional democracies and bolstering collective security against unmanned aerial threats.