Amid Rising Tensions with China, Taiwan Ramps Up Domestic Drone Production and Exports to the US Military

Taiwan’s government has proposed a $6.6 billion special budget to purchase over 208,000 coastal attack drones, 1,400 reconnaissance drones, and 1,320 uncrewed surface vessels from domestic manufacturers between 2026 and 2031, significantly expanding its current arsenal of 5,000 drones. Taiwanese companies are also forming international partnerships to sell more drones to the US military and other overseas buyers. Recent military exercises showcased both American-made Altius-600 loitering munitions and Taiwanese drones striking maritime targets.