TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Customs Administration said that Taiwan’s drone exports reached NT$364 million (US$11.89 million) in the first half of this year, a nearly 7.5-fold increase compared to the same period last year, mainly driven by growing demand for China-free supply chains.
Taiwan's top five export markets for drones are Poland, the US, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Hong Kong, accounting for a combined 97% of total exports, per CNA. Exports to Poland alone made up 54.5%. Taiwan's drone exports to Europe have seen a significant growth since December.
The Taiwan External Trade Development Council said that as Europe places greater emphasis on military security and cybersecurity, the EU is promoting a China-free drone supply chain. Backed by its strengths in ICT, semiconductors, manufacturing capacity, and a democratic foundation, Taiwan’s drone industry has emerged as a new option for European buyers.
The council added that demand for military and commercial drones in Europe is expected to rise. It called on domestic manufacturers to seize the chance to become trusted partners for European countries.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs established the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance in September 2024 to meet the growing overseas demand. The group brings together more than 200 Taiwanese companies to help secure international orders. Its members span most segments of the supply chain, including airframes, modules, batteries, and flight control systems.
In July, the Ministry of National Defense unveiled a military drone procurement project with a budget of approximately NT$50 billion to boost Taiwan's asymmetric warfare capabilities. The plan includes the purchase of 11,270 drones next year and an additional 37,480 units in 2027.
Major Taiwanese drone manufacturers are expected to benefit from the program, including Aerospace Industrial Development Corp., Evergreen Aviation Technologies, Thunder Tiger, Coretronic Intelligent Robotics Corp., and Geosat Aerospace and Technology.
These companies will showcase their innovations at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition from Sept. 18-20. AIDC will present its counter-drone system, which uses its fighter jet radar technology. The company said that its facility in the US could support the formation of a Taiwanese drone supply chain in the American market.
Thunder Tiger President Su Sheng-chieh (蘇聖傑) said that all components of the company's military-grade first-person view drones are manufactured in Taiwan. He highlighted the potential for the drones to secure a significant number of overseas orders this year.
