Unmanned technologies have become an indispensable element of modern warfare, and growing cooperation between Taiwan and Ukraine has increasingly attracted international attention. In a feature published this month, The New York Times recently reported that Taiwan and Ukraine are deepening unofficial exchanges centered on battlefield drone data, asymmetric warfare experience, and industrial cooperation, while also citing analysis from the Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology (DSET). The report also cited informed sources revealing for the first time that a factory in Taiwan has already begun producing drones designed in Ukraine.
The report noted that although Taiwan and Ukraine maintain low-profile official relations diplomatically, cooperation through private-sector and industry networks has continued to expand. Citing DSET policy analyst Samara Duerr, the article stated that Taiwan exported 70,372 drones to the Czech Republic and 31,711 drones to Poland in 2025, with many ultimately reaching Ukraine. Some were reportedly donated to the Ukrainian military through charitable organizations.
The article also highlighted that Taiwanese defense contractors frequently emphasize that their drone systems have been “battle-tested” in Ukraine when marketing products to Taiwan’s military. For example, Thunder Tiger Group General Manager Su Sheng-Chieh confirmed that the Taichung-based drone company had sent drones to Ukraine for testing and evaluation.
According to the article, some international defense contractors have also sought assistance from Ukrainian engineers in developing drone systems tailored to Taiwan’s operational needs. U.S. drone manufacturer Neros is currently testing 100 Ukrainian-designed drones in Taiwan and is reportedly evaluating the possibility of establishing a production base on the island, with the goal of introducing Ukrainian-developed technologies into Taiwan and scaling up local manufacturing capacity.
The article further noted that U.S. defense technology company Auterion, which maintains operations in Ukraine, signed a cooperation agreement last year with a Taiwanese research institution. In addition, General Cherry, one of Ukraine’s major defense startups, announced in March that it would partner with U.S. company Wilcox to manufacture Ukrainian-designed drones in the United States. Wilcox products are also currently available in the Taiwanese market.
The article analyzed how Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks to move beyond exporting drones merely as hardware products. Instead, Ukraine is encouraging companies to provide integrated services alongside equipment, including software updates, technical support, and remote operational assistance. This model not only strengthens long-term security partnerships, but also deepens Ukraine’s defense ties with partner countries. The article further cited a senior Ukrainian official and a defense industry representative confirming for the first time publicly that a factory in Taiwan has already begun producing drones designed in Ukraine.
In April 2026, DSET released a policy report titled Drone Superpower: Ukraine’s UAV Success and Where Taiwan-Ukraine Cooperation Fits In. The report examined multiple models of international cooperation adopted by Ukraine, including “foreign investment with domestic Ukrainian production,” “technology and data integration,” and “overseas co-production.” These approaches have helped Ukraine build a more resilient drone industry and diversified supply chain structure, offering valuable lessons for Taiwan.
The report also recommended that Taiwan further explore joint drone production with Ukraine, particularly focusing on interceptor drones and long-range strike drones. Ukraine’s mature production experience and technological expertise could help Taiwan strengthen both its counter-drone capabilities and long-range deterrence capacity. At the same time, the report argued that Taiwan should accelerate the development of drone-specific semiconductors and critical components in order to provide Ukraine with alternatives to China-centered supply chains, while also exploring additional bilateral cooperation frameworks.
DSET has long monitored global drone industry and supply chain developments. It also published policy report The Invisible Drone Wall: Taiwan’s Quiet Support for a China-Free European Drone Supply Chain, analyzing prospects for Taiwan’s cooperation with European countries in the drone sector. DSET will continue to follow developments in drone industry cooperation between Taiwan, Japan, the United States, and other international partners.
