tech
As China looms, Taiwan makes more drones for defense and the US military
Taiwan’s drone spending plans for defense could also boost business overseas.
TL;DR
- Taiwan plans a $6.6 billion special budget to purchase over 208,000 coastal attack drones and 1,400 reconnaissance drones between 2026 and 2031.
- Taiwanese companies are forming international partnerships to export drones and components, with a focus on supplying the US military and European buyers.
- Drone exports from Taiwan have already surpassed the previous year's total in the first three months of 2026.
- Thunder Tiger's Overkill drones are among the first Asian-made commercial drones certified for US military use, with the company also producing larger kamikaze drones.
- Taiwanese firms are collaborating with US companies for AI and software expertise to enhance their drone capabilities.
- Challenges include high costs compared to competitors like DJI and the need to establish supply chains free from Chinese components.
- Taiwan aims to increase its monthly drone production capacity from 15,000 to over 100,000 per month by 2030.
- Civil defense groups in Taiwan are offering drone flight training, inspired by Ukraine's extensive use and production of drones.