TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of National Defense established an AI research office on Oct. 1, Department of Strategic Planning Director-General Huang Wen-chi (黃文啓) said.

Huang said the ministry is aligning with the Cabinet’s policies, CNA reported. Through the Defense Innovation Unit, the ministry is introducing mature AI products, initially focusing on image recognition, cyber defense, and anti-hacking applications.

He added that the new office is integrating ongoing AI projects within the ministry and will expand as needed to support defense-related AI investments. Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said the initiative remains in a pilot stage, with interdepartmental coordination ongoing and no fixed schedule for scaling up.

Taiwan established the DIU in 2024 to research and develop advanced military technologies. Last month, Shi Chi-liang (史奇良), senior director of the MND’s Department of Integrated Assessment, said the unit is soliciting prototypes for three projects: an automated satellite-image AI recognition system, an augmented-reality smart combat system, and an intelligent warehouse management system, per Liberty Times.