Economic Minister Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) slammed the opposition KMT caucus’ proposal to suspend the Cabinet’s drone industry development program and eliminate its 2026 budget on Wednesday, July 22.

Kung said that the opposition had previously cut the funds earmarked for drone development in the Cabinet’s special defense budget, which he described as severing an arm. He added that the proposal to now cut the budget for the drone industry development program amounts to cutting off the other arm. Kung said that businesses in the industry will have to fend for themselves, with the government unable to provide any policy support or funds to help them, which will have an extremely severe impact.

Kung said he still hoped for a different decision, as the budget is currently under review.

The Economic Ministry said on Tuesday, July 21, that 2026 would see the full implementation of the drone industry development program with an approximate budget of NT$8 billion (US$247 million). The plan was to be advanced through coordinated efforts across various ministries and agencies.