Key facts
- Taiwan's parliament approved T$40 billion annually for military drone spending.
- A government proposal for a T$210 billion special drone budget until 2031 was rejected.
- Opposition lawmakers passed an alternative plan totaling T$240 billion over six years.
- The opposition's funding will be drawn from the regular annual budget.
- Premier Cho Jung-tai will assess if the approved budget meets national defense needs.
Taiwan's parliament has approved an annual budget of T$40 billion ($1.26 billion) for military drones, but rejected a government-proposed special budget of T$210 billion intended to fund drone procurement until 2031. Opposition lawmakers instead passed their own proposals, totaling T$240 billion over six years, to be drawn from the regular annual budget, with the option to increase spending if needed.
Government officials had argued for the necessity of the special budget, citing the importance of uncrewed weapons in modern warfare, particularly in light of rising threats from China and lessons from conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. The government had planned to acquire approximately 210,000 drones.
Following the vote, Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that the government would carefully consider whether the passed legislation adequately meets the nation's defense requirements and supports self-reliance in drone technology. He emphasized that the decision would be based on national needs and national security.