Taiwan defense expo showcases drone partnerships with Europe

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE, 台北國際航太暨國防工業展覽會) opened Thursday (Sept. 18) with unmanned vehicle displays from global military manufacturers. Apex Aviation (安捷航空), a local manufacturer, partnered with European AI drone manufacturer TEKEVER to introduce the AR3 drone to Taiwan. The AR3 previously operated in the Ukraine conflict before arriving in Taiwan's defense market.

Wilson Kao (高健祐), Apex Aviation chairman, emphasized integrating manned and unmanned aircraft to enhance maritime security. Kao stated partners must possess comprehensive combat experience for efficient technical integration. Wu Hsiu-lien (吳修廉), founding chairman of the Taiwan Drone Association (TDA, 台灣無人機協會), noted dual trends toward reconnaissance miniaturization and larger strategic drone development.

Apex Aviation's cooperation requires intensified professional training as large drones feature small aircraft engines. Ground operators must possess professional aviation knowledge equivalent to pilots. The expanded operations maintain the same core concept of extending drone battlefield applications. Training programs will focus on technical expertise for operating sophisticated unmanned systems.

Taiwan's military will receive several medium to large drones within two years to bolster surveillance capabilities. The fleet includes domestically produced Albatross II (銳鳶二型) and MU-1812 (騰雲二型) drones alongside U.S. MQ-9 series aircraft. These acquisitions extend beyond current cooperation agreements and represent significant military modernization efforts.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND, 國防部) announced plans to procure at least 48,750 drones within two years, focusing primarily on small reconnaissance types. Bloomberg News warned Taiwan's current fleet remains insufficient against Chinese military reserves. The procurement represents Taiwan's largest drone acquisition program aimed at strengthening defensive capabilities.

Adm. Samuel Paparo of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command suggested deploying massive drone fleets in the Taiwan Strait could provide time for allied support during potential Chinese attacks. Paparo stated he wants to turn the Taiwan Strait into an unmanned hellscape using classified capabilities. The strategy aims to delay potential Chinese military operations while allied forces mobilize.

Taiwan's high-tech development and semiconductor supply chain advantages position the island to advance defense capabilities significantly. International military industry alliances support Taiwan's asymmetric warfare strategy goals. The combination of domestic technological expertise and foreign partnerships strengthens Taiwan's defensive posture against regional threats.◼