TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Wednesday urged lawmakers to support the government’s proposed unmanned vehicle procurement bill, saying autonomous systems have become essential to Taiwan’s defense strategy.
Speaking at a military promotion ceremony at the Presidential Office, Lai said unmanned vehicles are changing the nature of warfare, per CNA. He said long-term procurement would strengthen Taiwan’s domestic defense industry.
Lai said the Cabinet’s proposal would allow the Ministry of National Defense to coordinate military requirements and procurement, while the Ministry of Economic Affairs would support industrial development and the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology would handle research.
Under the plan, Lai said Taiwan would acquire coastal surveillance and reconnaissance drones, coastal attack drones, and small unmanned suicide boats. He said unmanned systems are quickly consumed during conflicts and require continuous upgrades, making stable procurement and production essential.
Lai also congratulated newly promoted military officers, including Chiu Chih-feng (邱之峯), who was promoted to lieutenant general and appointed commander of the Huadong Defense Command, per RTI.
Lai said the armed forces have conducted readiness and joint defense drills since June and will hold the Han Kuang 42 exercise to test their ability to respond during crises. He called on newly promoted officers to improve Taiwan’s asymmetric defense capabilities and build a more resilient military.
