Taiwan Boosts Domestic Drone Production for Defense and US Military Sales

Taiwan has proposed a $6.6 billion special budget to acquire over 208,000 domestically made coastal attack drones, 1,400 reconnaissance drones, and 1,320 uncrewed surface vessels from 2026 to 2031, significantly expanding its current arsenal of only 5,000 drones. Taiwanese companies are forming international partnerships to sell more drones to the US military and other overseas buyers, while citizens undergo flight training. Recent military exercises have showcased both American-made Altius-600 loitering munition drones and Taiwanese drones striking maritime targets, underscoring Taiwan's effort to deter potential Chinese invasion through drone production.