TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) shut down recent reports claiming it would cease drone production.
In a press release on Saturday (Sept. 28), NCSIST said the rumors were “unfounded” and “false information.” The institute said it would continue advancing plans for Taiwan’s drone industry and pointed out its construction of the Aerospace Park in Minxiong, Chiayi.
NCSIST said the military-grade drones it developed have attracted inquiries from international companies seeking collaboration to join the global supply chain, demonstrating their competitive advantage. It produces the Albatross and Teng Yun drones, as well as the Chien Hsiang anti-radiation loitering munition.
While meeting the defense needs of Taiwan’s military remains the top priority, NCSIST said it also aims to integrate its capabilities into the international market.
The institute added that all the weapons systems it developed over the years are “continually optimized and upgraded to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare” to guarantee the military’s capabilities are up-to-date.
The false reports come as Taiwan and the US seek deeper collaboration in drone production. A delegation of 26 US drone company executives arrived in Taipei on Sunday (Sept. 22) to discuss with Taiwanese representatives ways to help US companies find non-Chinese suppliers and manufacturing partners.
Delegation members included officials from the US Department of Commerce and the Department of Defense. Taiwanese drone industry representatives, military officials overseeing weapons procurement and research and development, and researchers and engineers will join the talks.
In 2022, former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) established the Asia UAV AI Innovation Application R&D Center in Chiayi to achieve self-reliance and strengthen its asymmetric defense capabilities in drone development.
Last week, a “drone alliance” of more than 50 companies held its inaugural meeting. The alliance was established by Taiwan’s Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation to bolster international cooperation.
