TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's state-owned aerospace manufacturer Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC, 漢翔) announced Wednesday (Sept. 17) a strategic partnership with Thunder Tiger (雷虎科技) to develop the next-generation T-400 medium-to-large unmanned helicopter drone. The collaboration represents a significant step toward enhancing Taiwan's autonomy in the drone supply chain. Both companies will leverage their combined expertise to create a cutting-edge unmanned aircraft system.
The T-400 helicopter features a 4-meter main rotor diameter, with Thunder Tiger leading design, manufacturing, and assembly operations according to a company press release. The versatile aircraft will serve multiple sectors including defense reconnaissance, long-distance cargo delivery, oceanic fishery exploration, and offshore wind turbine inspection. AIDC will contribute critical expertise in structural analysis, vibration reduction, and heat dissipation systems to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
AIDC brings decades of aerospace manufacturing expertise to the partnership, while Thunder Tiger contributes proven capabilities in drone design and testing. Both companies participate in the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance (TEDIBOA, 台灣卓越無人機海外商機聯盟), a government-backed initiative promoting Taiwan's drone industry. The collaboration seeks to combine their complementary strengths while embedding research and development into mass production capabilities within Taiwan.
The partnership has advanced to the prototype development stage, marking significant progress in the T-400's creation. AIDC has committed its full range of core capabilities to assist Thunder Tiger in accelerating the development timeline and meeting project milestones. Both companies have preemptively planned a self-sufficient production system to ensure future product quality and supply chain stability. ◼
