A charter airline as Taiwan’s spy plane? Apex Aviation pitches Tecnam P2012 ISR role to the defence force
December 2, 2025
Apex Aviation aims to play a frontline role in Taiwan’s growing civilian defence network by offering surveillance flights to monitor Chinese military activity, a move first reported by Reuters.
The small Taiwanese operator, better known for charter flights, air ambulance missions and pilot training, is positioning itself as a direct partner to government as tensions rise around the island.
Taiwan turns to private companies as Chinese military pressure intensifies
Flying over the eastern waters off Taiwan, Apex uses a modified Tecnam P2012 equipped with a US-made synthetic aperture radar mounted under the fuselage.
Designed to spot objects as small as 0.09 square metres, the aircraft has already monitored Chinese naval vessels close to Taiwan’s coastline.
WATCH: A Taiwanese airline has pitched advanced radar-equipped flights to Taiwan's government aiming to provide early warnings and real-time data on Chinese warships to strengthen national security https://t.co/nMxyW9Xegb pic.twitter.com/qC9L6BVWSP
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 1, 2025
Apex wants to feed this surveillance data directly to Taiwan’s armed forces and coast guard. Its pitch aligns with Taipei’s wider “whole-of-society resilience” strategy that invites private companies, research institutes and civil agencies into national defence planning. These roles include cyber protection, logistics support, communications redundancy and potentially intelligence gathering.
While civil-military partnerships are routine in countries such as the United States, the concept is relatively new to Taiwan, whose armed forces are being stretched by sustained Chinese incursions into its air defence identification zone and surrounding waters.
Tecnam P2012 surveillance aircraft becomes Apex Aviation’s frontline ISR platform
Apex has spent more than NT$400 million, roughly $13 million, converting the 11-seat Italian-built P2012 Traveller into a reconnaissance platform.
Already used in Taiwan as an air ambulance and charter aircraft, the P2012 offers a proven, low-cost base. The special-mission variant carries:
- A synthetic-aperture radar
- EO/IR cameras
- AIS maritime-tracking equipment
- A data downlink for real-time video and radar feeds
Capable of operating from short and remote airstrips, the P2012’s costs are estimated at one-tenth of a typical military patrol aircraft. Apex argues that this combination of low overheads and modern sensors makes it ideal for persistent monitoring of the Taiwan Strait.
Civilian aviation’s role grows in Taiwan’s defence planning
Taiwan is reshaping how it prepares for a potential crisis. The island has pledged to raise defence spending to five per cent of GDP by 2030, while President William Lai has announced a $40 billion supplementary budget for national security, including major US arms purchases.
Civilian agencies and public bodies are being pulled into this effort. The coast guard plans to expand its reconnaissance capabilities, prioritising drones before increasing the use of manned aircraft. Taiwan’s All-Out Defence Mobilisation Agency has issued public guidance on cyber disruption, air raids and misinformation.
The Ministry of National Defence has been cautious in its response to Apex, noting it can already monitor Chinese activity but “welcomes discussions on public-private collaboration”.
Taiwan weighs legal and operational risks of civilian ISR flights
Experts warn that Taiwan must establish a legal framework before civilian aircraft conduct reconnaissance missions, given overlaps with aviation law, national security and rules of engagement.
Safety is also a concern. One of Apex’s medical flights to Kinmen was repeatedly approached by Chinese military aircraft in June, prompting an official protest from Taipei. Such grey-zone encounters, which fall short of open conflict but apply persistent pressure, have become more common.
Apex acknowledges the risks. Chairman Wilson Kao says the board considered potential dangers before approving the project, but remains committed.
Civilian defence initiatives accelerate as Taiwan responds to Chinese incursions
Apex is part of a broader shift. Local manufacturer Thunder Tiger has developed the SeaShark 800 unmanned surface vessel, capable of carrying 1,200 kg of explosives over ranges of up to 500 km. The government has updated its civil-defence handbook, offering guidance on everything from electronic attack to blockade scenarios.
Meanwhile, Chinese military activity continues to intensify. On 2 December, Taiwan’s defence ministry tracked nine PLA aircraft and eight PLAN vessels around the island.
Apex Aviation positions Tecnam-based surveillance fleet as strategic partner for Taiwan
Apex has grown from pilot training and sightseeing flights to air ambulance operations and special-mission aircraft. It provides fixed-wing medevac service to remote islands such as Kinmen and is a member of the Taiwan National Defence Industry Development Association. Taiwan Aerospace Corporation, a government-linked entity, is also a major shareholder.
The company believes the P2012 platform, supported by IMSAR sensors, can eventually assist both the coast guard and the defence ministry in maritime patrol and intelligence roles. It has already signed an MoU with Italy’s Tecnam to further develop the special-mission variant.
Apex also sees export potential, pitching its low-cost ISR model to regional governments concerned about Chinese military activity in their waters.
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Featured image: Tecnam
