Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC) President Chuang Hsiu-mei (莊秀美) spoke to Rti last Friday, commenting on Taiwan’s drone development since its drone alliance was announced September 23, 2024, and the importance of drones to Taiwan’s defense.

Chuang said Taiwan has already created self-developed drones within the short period of time since the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance (TEDIBOA) was established, with many companies having developed their own products.

Chaired by the chairman of AIDC, a major supplier for Boeing, TEDIBOA audits team members and features devices that were made 100% decoupled from the Chinese supply chain in a catalogue to showcase trusted products to international buyers. The well-received catalogue has dispelled members’ reluctance to show import declarations and brought more business to the Taiwanese companies.

Purchases from Poland account for over half of AIDC drone exports, Chuang said, noting that Poland and Taiwan share a similar geopolitical situation. She stated that China has very high-tech, mature drone technology, yet the United States and European governments won’t want to purchase them as decoupling from the Chinese supply chain is crucial for cybersecurity. 

The AIDC president said Taiwan is very good at cybersecurity, and that its strengths in semiconductor technology and the electric industry will lend themselves well to drone development. She said she believes niches, such as those from Poland and Czechia, can work together with Taiwan to quickly replace the Chinese supply chain, and do so with cost effectiveness.

Chuang said, “Again, Taiwan has the mass production capability, and we have the cost-effective advantage. That is different from the U.S., different from Germany, France – that’s different. We have mass production and cost competitiveness. So I think if someone [is] looking for a supply chain to replace the Chinese drone, Taiwan could be one of the best choices.”

Five types of small to large unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are required for Taiwan’s defense, Chuang explained, including those used for reconnaissance and carrying munitions. Taiwan produces many categories of drones, including UAVs covering all of those purposes.

Speaking to defensive capabilities, Chuang said Taiwan can quickly identify drone types, counter, jam, and destroy with powerful microwave and laser weapons. Some of Taiwan’s drones are already capable of autonomous function, making decisions automatically using sensors and AI. She expressed confidence in Taiwanese forces being able to defend against potential Chinese drone threats.