The Executive Yuan has approved the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ plan to spend NT$44.2 billion to cultivate the domestic UAV industry, Cho said. Taiwan has become indispensable in the non-red supply chain, Cho said, adding that the UAV industry is one of the nation’s 13 key strategic industries. “Taiwan’s drone industry would experience a huge blow if the legislature passes a version of the defense budget that does not take it into account. Taiwan can only gain truly dignified peace by building a “Taiwan shield” that is able to produce and supply high-technology products, he said. The continued delay by the legislature in reviewing the Cabinet’s draft special defense act could hinder the development of Taiwan’s UAV industry, she added.

Source: Taipei Times March 22, 2026 16:38 UTC