TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan's drone exports reached NT$350 million (US$10.7 million) in the first half of the year, a 7.49-fold increase from the same period last year, according to the Customs Administration.

Poland was the leading destination for the exports, accounting for approximately 54.5% of the total. The US followed with 13%, Germany with 12.2%, the Czech Republic with 8.7%, and Hong Kong with 8.4%, per CNA.

The administration noted a significant increase in Taiwan's drone exports to Europe since December. The growth has been supported by initiatives like the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance (TEDIBOA), which brings together more than 200 Taiwanese companies to help secure international orders.

In February, the alliance led representatives from local research institutes and 25 drone manufacturers to Xponential Europe in Germany. There, they showcased technologies such as anti-drone systems, communication equipment, flight control chips, and drone payloads, helping boost the sector's market share in Europe.

Members of TEDIBOA cover most parts of the drone supply chain, including airframes, modules, batteries, and flight control equipment. This integrated advantage enables Taiwanese suppliers to meet procurement and delivery demands swiftly.

The Taiwan External Trade Development Council said the EU is increasingly prioritizing cybersecurity and a China-free supply chain amid global supply chain restructuring and broader geopolitical tensions. Given Taiwan’s strength in ICT and semiconductor R&D and manufacturing, it is well-positioned to grow its drone industry.

The council added that demand for drones in Europe continues to grow. Applications range from military uses such as border patrol, land surveillance, and anti-drone technologies, to commercial functions like agricultural spraying, infrastructure inspection, and urban monitoring. It said Taiwan is a trusted supply partner for European countries.

In July, the Ministry of National Defense announced plans to procure a large number of multi-rotor and fixed-wing drones — approximately 11,270 units next year and about 37,480 units in 2027. The initiative is seen as part of efforts to boost Taiwan's asymmetric warfare capabilities.

Sunny Cheung (張崑陽), a researcher at the US think tank Jamestown Foundation, said large-scale orders from the Taiwan government would help support the expansion of domestic drone companies. He added the government should increase investment in local firms to avoid falling behind Chinese competitors.