TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Economic Affairs has launched a NT$44 billion (US$1.4 billion) investment plan to position its drone industry as an Asia-Pacific production hub by 2030.

The ambitious initiative was unveiled Thursday, per Aviation Week Network. It aims to advance drone technology, refine regulations, boost market demand, and foster an ecosystem of over 250 indigenous drone companies.

Deputy Economics Minister Ho Chin-tsang (何晉滄) said Taiwan would become the center for a “democratic drone supply chain.” He added domestic procurement of drones could reach 100,000 units over three years, with demand from the defense ministry and other agencies. 

The initiative will emphasize domestic drone chips and software via public-private collaboration, alongside international technology transfers. Taiwan has signed memorandums of understanding with eight countries — including the US, Japan, Czech Republic, and Poland — for access to advanced drone technologies.

In addition to uncrewed aircraft systems, the investment plan includes unmanned surface and underwater vehicles. New regulations will address use management and cybersecurity standards across the unmanned systems industry.

Taiwan aims to grow its drone industry annual output to NT$40 billion by 2030, per Asian Market Sense. The government strategy also integrates workforce training and supply chain development.

This drive to build a democratic drone supply chain aligns with Taiwan's broader strategic goals for national security and economic innovation given rising regional geopolitical tensions.