The National Security Program of the Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology (DSET）was recently featured in interviews with international media outlets, including Agence France-Presse (AFP), Le Figaro, and independent outlet Resilience Media. DSET provided analysis on the current state of Taiwan’s drone industry, intensifying global supply chain competition, and the policy priorities needed to strengthen the sector’s long-term development.
AFP: Taiwan’s Drone Exports Surge Twentyfold as It Builds a “Non-Red Supply Chain”
In a report published on May 26, AFP highlighted Taiwan’s efforts to develop a drone supply chain free of Chinese components amid tightening Chinese export controls and rising global demand for unmanned systems. The report described Taiwan’s ambition to become a major drone manufacturing hub in Asia.
Drawing on DSET’s research, AFP reported that Taiwan exported 181,159 drones during the first four months of 2026—nearly twenty times the volume recorded during the same period in 2025 and already exceeding the country’s total exports for all of last year. Many of these products were reportedly shipped through countries such as the Czech Republic and Poland before being donated to Ukraine.
In the interview, DSET Policy Analyst Samara Duerr noted that Taiwan’s relatively small domestic market has prompted manufacturers to actively pursue overseas opportunities. Expanding exports, she explained, enables companies to build production capacity and commercial experience, strengthening their ability to rapidly scale production and respond to future demand.
AFP also noted several challenges facing Taiwan’s drone sector, including higher production costs than Chinese competitors, limited opportunities for large-scale operational testing, and uncertainty surrounding future global demand should the war in Ukraine eventually come to an end.
Resilience Media: Taiwan Strengthens Indigenous Drone Manufacturing Capacity
In a report published on May 14, Resilience Media highlighted Taiwan’s growing importance as a supply chain partner for Ukraine’s drone industry.
Citing DSET research, the report noted that at least seven Ukrainian drone-related companies are currently sourcing airframes, batteries, flight-control systems, and other electronic components from Taiwanese suppliers. These partnerships are helping Taiwan expand its drone ecosystem while strengthening supply chain resilience.
The report further quoted DSET Policy Analyst Cathy Fang and Non-Resident Fellow Lin Ting-Wei, who emphasized that the ultimate objective of Taiwan’s drone industry development is to establish a production system capable of transitioning from peacetime to wartime operations. Such a framework would help ensure Taiwan can maintain autonomous and resilient drone manufacturing capabilities during crises or conflict scenarios.
Le Figaro: Budget Reductions Could Slow Industry Development
On May 13, French newspaper Le Figaro reported on Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan had scaled back portions of a proposed defense special budget ahead of the anticipated Trump–Xi meeting. The report noted that the budget cuts could hinder investment in Taiwan’s domestic defense industry, particularly the drone sector, which has been regarded as a key component of the country’s asymmetric defense strategy.
The report cited Cathy Fang, who warned that delays in procurement programs and investment plans could result in a development slowdown of approximately two years for Taiwan’s drone industry. Such delays, she noted, could affect technological maturation and weaken the sector’s international competitiveness.
DSET’s National Security Program continues to provide analysis on drones supply chain resilience. Its recent engagement with international media highlights growing global interest in Taiwan’s drone industry and the strategic importance of secure, resilient supply chains amid evolving geopolitical and defense industry dynamics.
