A recent article by The Guardian highlights how the Russia–Ukraine war is reshaping the economics and supply chains of modern warfare. As drones become essential tools for battlefield surveillance, defense penetration, and deep-strike operations, Ukraine is seeking to reduce its reliance on Chinese supply chains while increasingly viewing Taiwan as a key alternative partner. The article also noted that Taiwan-made drone systems have already been sent to Ukraine for field testing, and cited research data from the Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology (DSET) in its analysis of Taiwan’s role in the emerging global “non-red supply chain.”
According to The Guardian, growing concerns over China-dominated industrial supply chains and related security risks have prompted Ukraine, as well as countries across Europe and the United States, to gradually turn to Taiwan as an alternative supplier. The article cited analysis by the Ukrainian think tank Snake Island Institute (SII), which noted that Taiwan’s strong technological reputation — particularly in microelectronics, navigation systems, and battery technologies — has made it a preferred partner for Ukrainian drone manufacturers.
Vyriy, one of Ukraine’s leading drone manufacturers, also told The Guardian that concerns over potential future Chinese export restrictions were a key reason behind its search for alternative supply chains. The company described Taiwan as a “100% valuable partner” with world-class capabilities in semiconductors and electronics integration, adding that Ukrainian drones have already begun incorporating Taiwan-made components.
The article further cited DSET data showing that Taiwan’s drone exports to Europe surged by more than 40 times in 2025 compared to the previous year, with Poland and Czechia emerging as the largest markets. This trend has continued to accelerate, with export volumes in the first quarter of this year already surpassing the total for all of last year. According to DSET interviews and research, most drones and related components exported to Poland and Czechia are subsequently transferred to Ukraine.
However, The Guardian also noted that Ukraine is unlikely to fully eliminate dependence on Chinese components in the near term. Chinese-made products continue to hold significant price advantages, while key materials such as lithium batteries and rare-earth magnets remain heavily dependent on Chinese supply chains. The article added that the Taiwanese government has pledged to establish a fully “non-red” drone industry by 2027 and aims to domestically produce one-third of the rare-earth magnets required by 2030 in order to strengthen supply chain resilience and strategic autonomy.
In addition, Gene Su, General Manager of Taiwan drone manufacturer Thunder Tiger, confirmed in the article that the company had sent drone systems to Ukraine for field testing, though pricing remains one of the major challenges affecting procurement decisions.
The article also pointed out that although Ukraine does not officially recognize Taiwan and China remains Ukraine’s largest trading partner, Taiwan–Ukraine cooperation has continued to be driven by industry initiatives. To strengthen local service capabilities, several Taiwanese drone companies have established operations in Lithuania and Poland. Meanwhile, a Taiwanese government-backed organization promoting drone industry development has signed memorandums of understanding with five European countries. Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs has also pledged approximately NT$326 million in funding to support seven high-tech companies developing drone-specific chips, further strengthening Taiwan’s strategic role in the global drone supply chain.
DSET will continue to monitor developments in Taiwan–Ukraine cooperation on drone supply chains and technology, while tracking how the restructuring of global “non-red supply chains” may shape Taiwan’s industrial and strategic positioning.
