Military looking to dronesBy Yimou Lee / Reuters, TAIPEIThe military has signed a contract to integrate US artificial intelligence (AI) and defense-technology firm Shield AI’s technology to build intelligent uncrewed systems, a move aimed at leveraging drones to counter the rising threat from China. Shield AI called the collaboration an “important foundation” that could lead to broader adoption of autonomous software with Taiwan’s top military research body, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology. The logo of US aerospace and defence technology company Shield AI is seen during the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition in Taipei on September 19, 2025. Photo: AFP“We are helping enable the drone forces Taiwan is building with cutting-edge AI pilots that will allow drones to team and operate while GPS and communications are jammed,” said Shield AI president and cofounder Brandon Tseng, a former US Navy SEAL. As part of its broader “asymmetric warfare” program, Taipei has been working to secure cheaper, more numerous uncrewed systems designed to blunt any potential Chinese attack.

Source: Taipei Times February 12, 2026 16:52 UTC