TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The economics ministry announced plans to set up a large-drone testing site in Chiayi's Yizhu Township, CNA reported on Saturday.
Chiayi County Government said the 60-hectare testing site in Yizhu will include facilities for flight simulation, landing zones, operation certification, and drone exhibitions.
Ministry of Economic Affairs Industrial Development Administration Deputy Director-General Tsou Yu-hsin (鄒宇新) said that military drone use has gained significant attention since the Russia-Ukraine war. He said China's DJI Technology holds more than 74% of the global market share, making it the largest drone supplier.
Tsou said the nation's strong semiconductor industry and information and communication technology (ICT) manufacturing capabilities have attracted foreign government agencies and companies. The ministry will continue exploring overseas markets and establish drone industry clusters to enhance mass production and technology development.
In September, the MOEA formed the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance (TEDIBOA), led by the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), with membership exceeding 120 companies.
The Industrial Development Administration said the drone supply chain involves key sectors such as flight vehicle design and production, power systems, payload equipment, communication, and control systems. It said Taiwan excels in manufacturing drone bodies and motors but depends on foreign suppliers for payloads, communication, and control systems.
Tsou said MOEA will provide subsidies for drone chip research and development. He added that collaboration with the Industrial Technology Research Institute and the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology can also help reduce research and development costs.
MOEA estimates Taiwan's drone industry output will reach NT$5 billion (US$ 158.73 million) this year. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) aims for the industry's value to reach NT$40 billion in 2030.
Chiayi also has the Asia UAV AI Innovation Application R&D Center, founded in 2022. It offers flight fields for testing small and medium-sized drones. Nearly 50 teams, including Thunder Tiger, Geosat Aerospace & Technology, Taiwan Drone 100, and Coretronic Intelligent Robotics are based at the center.
