Hong-Lun Tiunn, Deputy Director of the National Security Research Division at the Center for Democracy, Society and Technology (DSET), recently contributed an article to The Diplomat, providing a preview of DSET’s forthcoming report on U.S.–Taiwan cooperation in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) development. The report is based on in-depth interviews with key stakeholders across Taiwan’s drone supply chain and explores concrete pathways for bilateral collaboration in manufacturing and R&D.
The article outlines Taiwan’s phased battlefield drone doctrine, identifies current capability gaps, and evaluates industrial mobilization strategies. Together, these elements point toward a strategic partnership designed to bolster deterrence before conflict.
Taiwan’s defense strategy follows a three-phase doctrine: force protection, littoral dominance, and beachhead neutralization. UAVs play a central role in this strategy by providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), while also disrupting enemy systems and maintaining operational effectiveness under electronic warfare conditions.
Drawing from Ukraine’s wartime experience and U.S. initiatives such as the Replicator Program, Taiwan’s drone deployment emphasizes attritability, redundancy, and mission-tailored usage—applying a spectrum of UAV types to meet different tactical scenarios and intensity levels.
Dr. Tiunn highlights that Taiwan’s drones are currently sourced through three main channels: the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), private sector manufacturers, and U.S. foreign military sales. However, Taiwan faces significant capability gaps in areas such as Group 3–5 strike platforms, loitering munitions, swarm ISR systems, and autonomous targeting—a reflection of broader industrial constraints in producing critical components domestically.
To close these gaps, Taiwan has set a goal to deploy 700 military UAVs and 3,000 dual-use drones by 2028. Achieving this objective will require both external procurement and robust domestic industrial mobilization, particularly in critical subsystems. Under the coordination of Taiwan’s National Development Council and support from the Executive Yuan Vice Premier’s Office, the UAV strategy aims to reach an annual production value of NTD 30 billion and a monthly output capacity of 15,000 drones.
The development roadmap consists of two key phases:
- Phase I focuses on core technologies such as secure flight control chips, software-defined radio modules, and AI-powered ISR software.
- Phase II scales up production, integrates Taiwan into democratic supply chains, and targets export readiness.
Despite the ambitious goals, challenges remain in aligning government planning with industry capabilities. Demand signals remain unstable due to wartime unpredictability. However, progress is being made. As one senior official interviewed by DSET noted, “Decoupling from Chinese components is an opportunity for Taiwan—but we are not the only ones who can do it. Our strength lies in flexibility: if the orders come, we can scale.”
Dr. Tiunn underscores Taiwan’s position as a hub for semiconductor and intelligent systems innovation, making it well-suited to contribute to frontline UAV deployments and the construction of non-red supply chains. U.S. political will and streamlined frameworks—particularly regarding ITAR compliance and R&D funding—will be essential to unlocking the partnership’s full potential.
The article calls on Washington to treat Taiwan not merely as an aid recipient, but as a true strategic partner. With a doctrine-driven approach, proven industrial capacity, and strong commitment to secure and democratic innovation, Taiwan is ready and eager to co-develop a mutually beneficial future for drone security and deterrence.