As China looms, Taiwan makes more drones for defense and the US military

Live updates

1. 10d ago

   Taiwan Expands Drone Capabilities Amid Legislative Budget Disputes

   Taiwan has begun testing US MQ-9B SkyGuardian surveillance drones and launched civilian drone training via Kuma Academy. The legislature is currently debating drone procurement budgets, with opposition parties proposing alternatives to the government's plan. These efforts aim to establish asymmetric leverage against China.

   What's confirmed:

   • Taiwan has started testing its first batch of US MQ-9B high-altitude surveillance drones.
   • The opposition-controlled legislature voted to delay the review of a NT$210 billion special budget bill for drone procurement.
   • Kuma Academy started a civil defense drone training program in May 2026.
   • The KMT and TPP voted down a DPP motion to refer the drone procurement bill to committee review.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • China attempts over 2.6 million cyber intrusions daily into Taiwan's networks.
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. Opposition delays review of drone procurement bill
   2. Taiwan begins testing US SkyGuardian surveillance drones
   3. drones related news | Taiwan News - Voice of the People, Bridge to the ...
   4. Taiwan's Military Procurement and Its Implications - Beijing Post
   5. China blocks dual-use exports to US defense companies in new sanctions ...
   6. Taiwan Civilians Learn Drones To Counter China - dronexl.co
   7. Taiwan's drone surge aims to offset China's edge - Asia Times
   8. Taiwan opposition pitches $7.5 billion drone plan after stalling ...
   9. The US usually sells weapons to Taiwan - Defense News
   10. Taiwan needs to become a 'hornet's nest' of drones, US diplomat says
   11. Taiwan lawmakers agree to review rival drone budgets
   12. Commentary: Balancing national defense needs with industrial development — Taiwan's electronics giants are not the only answer
   confidence 90%
2. 46d ago

   Taiwan Scales Drone Production for Asymmetric Defense and US Cooperation

   Taiwan is transitioning its drone sector from experimental use to a growing manufacturing hub. The government is prioritizing homegrown systems to counter Chinese dominance and support asymmetric warfare. Efforts include forming dedicated military drone units and expanding supply chain ties with the United States.

   What's confirmed:

   • Taiwan is developing a domestic drone industry to support asymmetric defense against China.
   • Taiwan and the United States are collaborating to build a drone supply chain free of Chinese components.
   • The Taiwanese military is establishing drone units to repel a potential invasion.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Large businesses are not sufficiently involved in the drone push due to economic hurdles.
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. Battlefield demand turning Taiwan into drone manufacturing hub
   2. Taiwan Needs Tech Industries Involved in Drone Push: US Official ...
   3. Taiwan moves to counter China's drone dominance
   4. In the shadow of China, Taiwan is building a drone army
   5. The Future of Taiwan-US Drone Cooperation - The Diplomat
   6. New Report from DSET National Security Research——Drones for Democracy ...
   7. Amid Chinese security threat, are drones 'the next big thing' for ...
   8. Taiwan military forming drone units to fend off Chinese invasion
   confidence 90%
3. 48d ago

   Taiwan Proposes US$6.6 Billion Budget to Boost Domestic Drone Production

   Taiwan's Cabinet has proposed a special budget of NT$210 billion to expand domestic drone capabilities and supply chains. This move follows defense budget cuts by opposition parties and aims to reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers. The initiative focuses on asymmetric warfare and increasing production for both local defense and the US military.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Taiwan Cabinet proposed a special budget of NT$210 billion, or US$6.6 billion, for domestically produced drones.
   • The drone procurement initiative is designed to span six years.
   • President Lai stated he "won't give up" on defense spending following budget cuts by parliament.
   • Taiwan is increasing drone production for its own defense and for the US military.
   • The Ministry of National Defense is relying more on the private sector than state-owned enterprises for drone manufacturing.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The Army will deploy a drone battalion in Penghu County.
   • Taiwan will establish an offshore drone battalion for early threat response.
   • Taiwan is teaching its citizens how to fly drones inspired by the conflict in Ukraine.
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. Inspired by Ukraine, and worried by China: Taiwan teaches its citizens how to fly drones
   2. Cabinet proposes US$6.6 billion special budget for domestic drones
   3. Taiwan president says he 'won't give up' on defence spending after parliament cuts
   4. As China looms, Taiwan makes more drones for defense and the US military
   5. Hsiao urges cross-party support for NT$210 billion drone defense budget
   6. Army to deploy drone battalion in Penghu County: source
   7. DEFENSE Taiwan to establish offshore drone battalion for early threat response
   8. As China looms, Taiwan makes more drones for defense and the US ...
   9. Taiwan Cabinet proposes NT$210 billion plan for military drones
   10. Lai vows defense funding push as Taiwan plans drone unit
   11. Taiwan proposes €5.7 billion to acquire military drones
   12. As China looms, Taiwan makes more drones for defense and the US ...
   confidence 95%