Taiwanese military budgets US$32 million for drone tech amid Beijing’s pressure
Citing the Ukraine war, plan entails ‘forward-looking multi-integration development project’ for uncrewed platforms between 2026 and 2028
According to a budget document submitted to Taiwan’s legislature, the Armaments Bureau will spend more than NT$1.01 billion from 2026 to 2028 on a “forward-looking multi-integration development project” for uncrewed platforms, with NT$507 million to be executed in the first year.
The initiative aims to develop core technologies that would allow drones to operate without Global Positioning System support, resist jamming and use high-density batteries – capabilities seen as critical in a conflict with Beijing.
It would also integrate interministerial resources and academic-industrial research to promote indigenous development of uncrewed platforms, defence systems and surface and underwater vehicles.
The goal is to build an innovative research and development and manufacturing cluster, as well as strengthen Taiwan’s emerging drone industry ecosystem.
The programme covers technologies ranging from electro-optical lasers and composite materials to anti-jamming communications, navigation and positioning, uncrewed platforms and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems.