TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Thunder Tiger is bidding for US government defense contracts as it prepares to start drone component production in Ohio in Q2, the company said Wednesday.

Thunder Tiger Chair Chen Kuan-ju (陳冠如) said the drone maker is pursuing US defense orders through its US subsidiary or in partnership with local firms, per CNA. He said Thunder Tiger aims to match US unmanned systems revenue with that of Taiwan.

Thunder Tiger took part in National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology trials in June, demonstrating unmanned surface vehicles off Suao, Chen said. It plans to bid on an Armaments Bureau tender for nearly 50,000 drones this year.

Thunder Tiger said the Armaments Bureau plans tenders for five drone models at 48,750 units, valued at about NT$50 billion (US$1.6 billion). The Ministry of National Defense is also expected to procure 1,350 unmanned boats, potentially worth tens to hundreds of billions of Taiwan dollars.

Thunder Tiger General Manager Su Sheng-chieh (蘇聖傑) said the company will bid for all five military drone models, including high-demand small drones and reconnaissance platforms. He added that Thunder Tiger is also targeting the roughly NT$31.46 billion US Drone Dominance Program.

Su said Thunder Tiger plans a NT$1.2 billion capital increase, with NT$800 million allocated to an unmanned systems plant in Dapumei, Chiayi. Another NT$200 million will fund a packaging materials facility, with the rest used as working capital.

The company expects to submit the fundraising plan in February or March and complete it in May. Thunder Tiger also plans to expand its aseptic packaging business, targeting major convenience store chains and beverage makers.