Taiwan eyes to emerge as Asia's drone supply-chain hub

A Taiwan-built AVIX AHX-230RS UAV flies overhead. Taiwan aims to establish a non-Chinese supply chain for unmanned systems. (CHENG Yu-chen/AFP via Getty Images)

Taiwan vice-president Hsiao Bi-khim has outlined plans to position the island as an Asian hub for unmanned-systems supply chains.

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Taiwan International Drone Forum and International Drone Academy in late October, Hsiao said unmanned systems remain “one of the top priorities” of Taiwan's defence strategy.

The International Drone Academy is a private organisation that aims to strengthen Taiwan's unmanned systems industry by leveraging talent development, geopolitical research, and technical standards certification to strengthen international partnerships, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said, citing the academy's chairman.

The opening comes ahead of changes to China's export controls on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and related technologies. Announced in October and due to take effect on 18 November, the revised measures require Chinese exporters to obtain authorisation for specified UAVs, components, software, and technologies.

Hsiao said Taiwan is focusing on three priorities: establishing a trusted, non-Chinese supply chain, advancing edge artificial intelligence (AI) and software-defined innovation, and promoting international co-operation and drone diplomacy.

“Taiwan is committed to providing a 100% non-red supply chain, ensuring that microprocessors, flight controllers, optical payloads, and batteries meet the highest standards in terms of cyber security and system operational integrity,” Hsiao said.

Hsiao's emphasis on a “100% non-red” supply chain reflects efforts to reduce Taiwan's dependence on Chinese drone technologies and components. According to Taiwan's Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology (DSET), batteries, communications modules, flight-control systems, navigation technologies, and software remain among the areas in which Chinese suppliers continue to occupy important positions in drone-related supply chains.