TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology and the Chiayi County Government will open a drone industrial park in Minxiong Township by early next year, which will collaborate with the UAV R&D center in the county’s Puzi City to advance drone development.

The facility, with a construction budget of about NT$6.85 billion (US$210 million), will focus on the R&D and manufacturing of military and commercial drones. Its operational capabilities will include UAV system testing, flight trials, and virtual simulations.

At a press conference on Thursday, NCSIST and the Chiayi County Government outlined the park's plans and features. Attendees included Magistrate Weng Chang-liang (翁章梁) and DPP Legislator Chen Kuan-ting (陳冠廷), per CNA.

NCSIST also plans to establish a drone industry cluster zone next to the park to host upstream and downstream suppliers. That area is expected to complete environmental assessments and begin construction in 2026, with completion targeted for 2028.

The institute estimates that about 72 companies may establish operations in the zone, spanning key sectors such as drone system integration, precision machining, optoelectronic sensing, power systems, and navigation. The UAV facility is expected to host more than 100 drone-related companies, create over 1,200 jobs, and generate an annual output value of about NT$8 billion.

Weng said that NCSIST has extensive resources and expertise in UAV research, and the park will connect the institute with local companies to strengthen Taiwan’s drone technology and boost overseas orders. Chen added that the facility will be a key UAV hub for Taiwan, noting that it will also support development in the county.

In March, NCSIST signed agreements with National Taiwan University, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, and National Formosa University to integrate UAV and AI technologies and offer technical courses. Part of the facility will also be used for flight testing and related research activities.

The Asia UAV AI Innovation Application R&D Center in Puzi City, launched in August 2022, hosts operations for more than 45 companies and institutions. These include firms specializing in drone flight control, components, composite materials, and counter-UAV systems.

The Puzi facility generated nearly NT$5.06 billion in output last year and is projected to reach NT$30 billion by 2028. It has attracted visits from overseas representatives and has hosted forums and UAV application events.