Key facts
- President Lai Ching-te stated Taiwan must deepen cooperation with democratic partners on drone development.
- Lai highlighted the importance of unmanned systems in modern defense and regional security.
- Taiwan's government is increasing defense spending, including for drones and anti-ballistic missiles.
- Proposed spending includes over 600 coastal surveillance drones and over 40,000 coastal attack drones.
- The plans also incorporate over 100 small suicide drone boats.
Taiwan must deepen cooperation with its democratic partners on developing drones, which are crucial for modern warfare, President Lai Ching-te said on Monday. Lai spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for a new drone development center in Chiayi, southern Taiwan, emphasizing the growing significance of unmanned systems in regional security.
Lai stated that unmanned systems have become important combat strength, citing examples from the Ukrainian battlefield and Indo-Pacific regional security. He stressed the need to deepen cooperation with democratic partners to build a safer and more resilient unmanned aircraft supply chain, supporting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Taiwan possesses advanced semiconductor and information and communications technology capabilities, along with a strong precision manufacturing base. In line with this focus, Taiwan's cabinet earlier this month proposed an additional T$145.7 billion ($4.59 billion) in defense spending for the current year. This allocation is intended for systems including drones and anti-ballistic missiles, with plans incorporating over 600 coastal surveillance and reconnaissance drones, more than 40,000 coastal attack drones, and an initial batch of over 100 small suicide drone boats.
Lai and his administration reject Beijing's sovereignty claims, asserting that only Taiwan's people can determine their future.