Taiwan's drones guard democracy from above

Taiwanese companies aim to become key drone suppliers for global democracies.

In the shadows of geopolitical rivalry and the drone-dusted skies of modern warfare, Taiwan is quietly scripting a new chapter in global defense and innovation. Long known for semiconductors, bubble tea, and tempestuous politics, the island is now drawing global attention for a bold new ambition: To become the Asian hub of UAV supply chains for the world’s democracies.

It’s a lofty goal—but not without substance. In the tech parks of Taichung, the coastal factories of Kaohsiung, and the defense think tanks of Taipei, a homegrown drone industry is taking shape—technologically capable, strategically aligned, and increasingly aware of its historical moment.

The Rise of the “Non-Red” Supply Chain

Taiwan’s drone industry is embracing a “non‑red” doctrine—cutting Chinese-made components from UAV supply chains. At a time when US lawmakers have largely blacklisted Chinese drones and Beijing is responding with sanctions, Taiwan aims to appeal to the West by delivering tech that’s trusted, secure, and democratically aligned. Executives from dozens of US drone companies have already visited Taiwan to explore partnerships with public agencies, firms, and academic researchers.

Taiwan isn’t just talking the talk—it’s investing government funds into building domestic drone production for both defense and exports. Its Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance (TEDIBOA) connects local manufacturers with global partners. The island now hosts more than 200 drone-related firms, from component makers to system integrators.

One standout is Coretronic Intelligent Robotics Corporation (CIRC), a subsidiary of Coretronic Group that offers fully Taiwan-made drones, cameras, ground control systems, and autonomous robots under ODM and OEM models. At XPONENTIAL 2025, CIRC debuted its Hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (HVTOL) drone—an impressive 27-kg platform with over 180 minutes of flight time, a range beyond 300 kilometers, edge AI, and modular payload support. This effort positions Taiwan as a serious contender in a space long dominated by American and European defense suppliers.


The Battlefield as Benchmark

Ukraine has become the testing ground for a new generation of drone warfare. Innovations like loitering munitions, FPV kamikaze drones, and shipborne reconnaissance UAVs—developed amid conflict—have drawn global attention. Taiwan, facing similar security threats across the Taiwan Strait, is closely monitoring these developments.

The Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology (DSET) reports that Ukraine’s drone production scale—estimated at five million units per year—has sparked serious reflection in Taiwan. “Some in Taiwan are debating whether to simply buy and stockpile Ukrainian drones,” said Tiunn, Deputy Director of DSET’s National Security Research Program. This highlights that technological edge alone isn’t enough; scale now defines the battlefield.

Taiwan’s key challenge lies in this gap. While it has decades of expertise in precision manufacturing, high-tech electronics, and defense R&D, it lacks the capacity for mass production. Officials from the Ministry of Economic Affairs stress the need to secure international orders to boost scalable, cost-effective manufacturing. Simply put, Taiwan must expand globally to strengthen its domestic capabilities.


From Hobby Shops to Defense Contractors

Among Taiwan’s notable drone manufacturers is Thunder Tiger Corporation, which evolved from a hobbyist model plane maker into a key defense UAV player. Its latest drones, showcased at defense expos, support both surveillance and combat missions, reflecting the dual-use nature of modern UAVs.

DronesVision has gained attention for its militarized quadcopters, especially the Revolver 860, which can carry eight 60mm mortar rounds. These tactical drones are designed for asymmetric warfare. Tripod, a supplier of special application PCBs for UAVs and aerospace firms, and GEOSAT Aerospace & Technology—known for its role in disaster search and rescue after Typhoon Morakot—are also vital members of Taiwan’s “National Drone Team.”

Maritime threats have driven further innovation. Taiwan’s CSBC Corporation recently introduced the Endeavor Manta, an unmanned surface vessel inspired by Ukraine’s sea drone tactics. Built for coastal defense and ship-to-ship combat, the Manta strengthens Taiwan’s naval asymmetry strategy.

Taiwan’s drone ambitions face a new challenge: America’s shifting politics. With Donald Trump’s return and the “Make America Great Again” agenda, Taiwanese firms are under pressure to relocate parts of their production to the U.S. to maintain access to the American defense market.

This pivot poses risks of weakening Taiwan’s domestic drone industry, just as local investment is crucial. However, it also opens opportunities. Some companies are forming joint ventures with US firms to deepen ties within Western supply chains. According to DSET, ongoing efforts aim to enhance Taiwan’s cooperation with both US and European partners, ensuring the island remains a key player even if production partially shifts abroad.

Drone strike footage. (Wikipedia)


Competitor or partner?

Ukraine’s drone industry looms large—not only as a source of inspiration but also as strong competition. Its battlefield-tested drones and rapid wartime production have attracted defense buyers across Europe and beyond. With export restrictions easing, Kyiv is poised to promote its drone sector as a key part of its postwar recovery.

For Taiwan, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While concerns about being outpaced persist, discussions are underway about Taiwan supplying critical components to Ukrainian drone manufacturers, creating a mutually beneficial division of labor. Volodymyr Chernyuk, CEO of Ukraine’s largest defense startup alliance, highlighted Taiwan’s expertise in electronics as essential for developing advanced and cost-effective defense products, noting the shared defense challenges both countries face, when he came to Taiwan with a delegation from Ukraine.

From Sky to Strategy

Taiwan’s drone development is a strategic bet that unmanned systems will do more than just scout and strike—they will also symbolize sovereignty, diplomacy, and technological prestige. While many countries like India, South Korea, and Türkiye compete in the growing UAV market, Taiwan stands out with its combination of technical expertise, democratic governance, and geopolitical urgency.

The global drone market is expected to exceed US$163 billion by 2030, but Taiwan faces challenges such as scaling production, navigating shifting US policies, and avoiding overdependence on foreign partners. Success will depend on leveraging its industrial base, cultivating international partnerships, and adapting to geopolitical changes.

In a world increasingly shaped by autonomous technology and contested alliances, Taiwan’s “non-red” drones may become a powerful symbol and tool for democracies seeking security and technological sovereignty.