Defense industry autonomy has emerged as a global priority amid escalating geopolitical tensions. The Taiwan-US Defense Industry Forum recently concluded with former US Army Secretary Christine Wormuth leading a defense delegation to the island, focusing on bilateral cooperation opportunities highlighted by lessons from the Russia-Ukraine War. A Ukrainian industrial delegation, including drone sector representatives, is scheduled to visit Taiwan next, signaling deepening ties among democratic allies.
The ongoing Ukraine War and renewed Israeli strikes on Iran underscore persistent global security challenges, driving nations to prioritize defense capabilities. Both the European Union and Taiwan have set targets to increase defense spending to 3% of GDP as modern warfare increasingly relies on technology and unmanned systems.
Industry experts note that rapid technological evolution, with update cycles measured in months rather than years, has outpaced traditional defense procurement models, making allied cooperation essential for maintaining autonomous supply chains.
US delegation explores unmanned vehicle partnerships
Wormuth's delegation included contractors from Lockheed Martin and drone manufacturers, focusing particularly on unmanned vehicle collaboration given their crucial role in recent conflicts. The forum addressed Taiwan Strait security concerns while emphasizing that effective defense requires both government commitment and active private sector participation.
The 2024 forum attracted 30 US industry representatives, including major contractors Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and BAE Systems, alongside unmanned boat and drone manufacturers. Participants met with key Taiwanese defense firms, including Aerospace Industrial Development Corp, Thunder Tiger Technology, and MiTAC Advance Technology.
This year's event featured a more selective US presence, with drone technology firm Red Cat Holdings and infrastructure company Planate Management Group as primary speakers, though additional industry representatives may have participated in private sessions.
Rapid innovation drives collaboration urgency
Red Cat Holdings' Asia-Pacific Business Development Director Stayne Hoff highlighted Ukraine's battlefield experience, noting that current technologies and tactics require innovation every three weeks—a pace even the US struggles to match.
Ukraine's extensive use of first-person-view drones for surprise attacks has prompted warnings that drone manufacturers may become primary wartime targets, necessitating decentralized production and backup supply chains. Ukraine's drone industry has expanded from approximately 30 companies in 2023 to around 200 First-Person View-related firms currently.
Industry observers expect Ukraine's conflict-driven growth could establish it as a major drone manufacturing power alongside China and Israel, presenting partnership opportunities for Taiwanese companies.
Ukraine seeks Taiwan expertise for reconstruction
The upcoming Ukrainian delegation from Lviv will include representatives from the military drone, electronics, ICT, infrastructure, energy, and machinery sectors. Their agenda encompasses discussing Ukraine's reconstruction needs and exploring collaboration potential with Taiwanese industries.
Ukrainian drone representatives will share insights into their country's development ecosystem and battlefield applications. Industry sources suggest Taiwan's manufacturers, who lack combat experience, could benefit significantly from Ukraine's practical knowledge to enhance their competitiveness in international markets.
The low-cost First-Person View drones developed by Ukraine have proven effective in recent operations against Russia, with the current focus shifting to fiber-optic drones and counter-drone system improvements.
Article edited by Jerry Chen
