Written By James Zhou Edited By Kapil Ramasubramanian The Taiwan Aerospace and Defence Technology Exhibition (TADTE) 2023 showcased significant advancements in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. This event brought together global defense giants like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, as well as emerging players like AeroVironment, known for its Switchblade loitering weapons. Taiwanese businesses, including Geosat Aerospace & Technology Inc., also made their mark, vying for the opportunity to supply civilian-grade reconnaissance drones to Taiwan's armed services.
Traditionally, Taiwan's National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) had a stronghold in the military drone sector. Their products, such as the "Chien Hsiang" anti-radiation loitering munition and the "Albatross I" reconnaissance drone, are now in production. However, a pivotal decision by Taiwan's defense ministry in September 2022 aimed to involve civilian entities to bolster the civilian drone production landscape. This strategic move opened doors for companies like Geosat, Coretronic Intelligent Robotics Corp., and Thunder Tiger Group, ushering in a new era in the industry.
President Tsai Ing-wen kickstarted Taiwan's drone program in 2021, as she inspected drones at a Chiayi aerospace park.Taiwan Presidential Office/Handout via REUTERS
The Engine Manufacturing Challenge
One of the key challenges facing Taiwan's drone industry is engine manufacturing. While Taiwan possesses the design expertise for drone engines, production is often outsourced to China for cost reasons. Given global concerns regarding Chinese-made products in national security contexts and the U.S. ban on China's DJI drones, Taiwan's drone industry is keen to reduce its dependency on Chinese components. In 2022, DJI held over 70% of the global drone market, underscoring the urgency of self-sufficiency in critical components. Engines, batteries, and electro-optical payloads are intricately linked. Notably, Honeywell engines have been the preferred choice for larger platforms like the "Teng Yun," highlighting the need for greater self-reliance in this vital sector. NCSIST envisions a collaborative partnership with the private drone industry, focusing on high-capability military-grade drones while allowing private sector companies to handle smaller reconnaissance drones with technological support from NCSIST. While essential drone technology is shared with private enterprises, vital components such as encrypted data links remain under NCSIST's control.
Asymmetric Warfare and the Advancement of Autonomy
Taiwan's overarching objective is to establish a self-reliant drone ecosystem. Currently, the emphasis is on final assembly in Taiwan, with Geosat responsible for manufacturing and assembly and NCSIST overseeing design and system integration. Striking the right balance between supply chain autonomy and cost efficiency is a complex challenge, especially in the context of asymmetric warfare, where cost considerations are crucial. Leveraging its extensive experience in aircraft manufacturing, the Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. is well-positioned to support Taiwanese drone manufacturers in volume production, despite not venturing into drone development. This collaborative approach underscores a shared commitment to enhancing Taiwan's UAV capabilities.
Conclusion
Taiwan is making remarkable strides in both the military and civilian drone industries as the global UAV technology landscape evolves. The nation's determination to reduce reliance on overseas sources, notably China, for critical components was evident at TADTE 2023. The ongoing collaboration between NCSIST and private sector enterprises exemplifies the potential for mutual growth and advancement in this dynamic industry. Striking a balance between autonomy and cost-effectiveness will undoubtedly be crucial as Taiwan strives to become a formidable player in the drone sector.
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