TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The "ROC National Defense Report 2023," released by the Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Tuesday (Sept. 12), was criticized for being unclear about the preparation and procurement of domestic drones.
Major General Hsiung Sheng-jung of the MND's Department of Strategic Planning explained that drones are categorized into two types. The domestically developed drones were documented in the public budget, which the public can view for a thorough understanding.
As for the other type of drone, Hsiung revealed that because it involves "U.S. military purchases," the U.S. is still in the process of military procurement waiting to be completed, so it has not been publicly disclosed yet.
He stated that this includes some "assault unmanned vehicles," for which details cannot be explicitly explained as they are a part of the classified budget.
Major General Tsao Ting-ming, deputy chief of the department, further emphasized that the MND will still prioritize "independent defense for drones. The ministry will turn to U.S. purchases only when domestic production and technology cannot meet external threats.
