Taiwan Army Deploys Stinger Missile Simulator to Counter Drone Threats

Taiwan's army has begun using a locally developed Stinger missile simulator at its artillery training command in southern Tainan, part of a broader effort to strengthen defences against low-altitude threats such as drones from China.

The system was built by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology at the army's request. It recreates battlefield conditions so troops can rehearse operating the Stinger missile system without live-fire launches.

According to the Ministry of National Defense, the simulator uses visual and audio effects to reproduce combat conditions, helping soldiers become familiar with Stinger operating procedures, engagement techniques and battlefield responses.

Lt. Col. Chen Yu-wen, who oversees simulator training at the Army Artillery Training Department, said the system has also been configured with drone parameters.

"After equipping our soldiers with basic system operation skills, we use the Stinger missile simulation system to train them in a simulated battlefield environment, teaching them how to operate the Stinger missile system and its operational procedures," Chen said.

"Therefore, we have also set relevant drone parameters in the simulator system. We can use simulation training to familiarize soldiers with operational skills," he added.

Taiwan's military already operates several versions of the Stinger, including man-portable systems, a dual-mount configuration and the U.S.-made Avenger air defence system. The island plans to acquire 2,621 additional Stinger missiles from the United States in two phases.

The training in Tainan also included briefings on the HIMARS rocket system and displays of Taiwan's domestically produced Sky Sword anti-air missile system.