Taiwan will establish offices in Taipei and Chiayi for its international drone academy, according to the latest Cabinet report released Monday, September 7. The academy will serve as a central hub for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) talent cultivation, certification, maintenance, and expertise as a key force in transforming Taiwan from a product exporter to an institutional force.

The first stage of Taiwan’s drone diplomacy push will focus on pilot talent cultivation, according to a recent Cabinet report. The report also mentions the Global UAV Academy (GUAVA), established in part by the Foreign Ministry last year, to help the government promote flexible international cooperation in the field. Plans now are to establish physical offices for the academy in the second half of 2026, with overseas branches established with foreign institutions in the future. 

GUAVA’s core mission is to promote international UAV cooperation. By combining education, training, and connecting industry resources, R&D, and certification mechanisms, it aims to become a new drone hub in Taiwan. Establishing the academy is also a key part of expanding Taiwan’s global influence in the sector, helping the country move from just an exporter to an all-around industry expert.

The Foreign Ministry has also helped GUAVA make inroads internationally, signing a letter of intent with the United States’ Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International in May and a similar deal with the Japan Drone Consortium in July. Both deals seek to expand Taiwan drone cooperation in the U.S. and Japan, helping Taiwan expand its influence in the UAV sector.