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As China looms, Taiwan makes more drones for defense and the US military
Ars Technica • • world
Key Points:
- Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has proposed a $6.6 billion budget over six years to purchase over 208,000 coastal attack drones and other unmanned vessels, aiming to strengthen its military deterrence against potential Chinese invasion.
- Taiwanese companies like Thunder Tiger are expanding international partnerships and exporting drones and components to the US military, European buyers, and Ukraine, with exports reaching $115 million in early 2026.
- Taiwan’s drone industry is leveraging domestic hardware expertise and Western AI software collaborations, including partnerships with firms such as Anduril, Auterion, and AeroVironment, to enhance drone capabilities.
- Challenges include political disagreements delaying funding, competition with China’s dominant and cost-effective drone manufacturer DJI, and supply chain complexities involving Chinese-made components.
- Taiwan aims to scale drone production from 15,000 to over 100,000 units per month by 2030, drawing inspiration from Ukraine’s rapid drone manufacturing growth amid conflict, while also promoting civilian drone training for defense preparedness.
