TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Tuesday said developing Taiwan’s drone industry is a key national policy goal, as he pledged government support to expand the sector and strengthen the nation’s defense capabilities, per a press release.
Speaking at the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance in Taichung, Lai said the government aims to make Taiwan Asia’s drone industry hub by integrating industry, government, academia, and research institutions. He highlighted a six-year, NT$44.2 billion (US$1.48 billion) development plan running from 2025 to 2030 that includes regulatory reforms, certification support, and industry investment.
Lai said the government is seeking to build a complete drone ecosystem that supports national defense and economic growth while helping Taiwanese firms expand into international markets and secure a larger role in global supply chains.
He said recent conflicts in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war have underscored the importance of asymmetric warfare, with drones becoming a critical military asset. A stronger domestic drone industry, he said, would contribute to Taiwan’s security and regional stability.
Lai also emphasized the sector’s commercial potential, noting that drones have growing applications beyond defense, including transportation, agriculture, and logistics. He said Taiwan’s strengths in machine tools, semiconductors, electronics, and composite materials provide a solid foundation for industry growth.
To support the sector, Lai said TEDIBOA will help unite manufacturers across Taiwan’s drone supply chain, from component and module producers to complete aircraft manufacturers. He added that Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) has been tasked with coordinating ministries to review and ease regulations that may hinder industry development, per a press release.
Lai highlighted progress in international certification, saying Taiwan has become the first Green UAS certification body outside the US through cooperation between Taiwan, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Industrial Technology Research Institute, and US partners. The certification allows drones made in Taiwan to be tested and approved domestically before export.
He said Taiwan is also advancing certification programs for non-China supply chains and cybersecurity standards, particularly for flight-control systems, navigation technology, communications equipment, and software.
According to figures cited by Lai, Taiwan’s drone industry output grew from about NT$5 billion in 2024 to NT$12.9 billion in 2025, while exports increased from NT$140 million to a projected NT$2.9 billion. The government’s goal is to raise the industry’s value to NT$40 billion by 2030.
Lai also criticized legislative delays affecting government spending, saying support for the drone sector had been removed from the Special National Defense Budget Act. He said prolonged budget disputes risk undermining Taiwan’s defense and industrial development, urging both ruling and opposition lawmakers to support the timely passage of government budgets.
