The biennial Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE 2025) opened this week, marking the largest event in its history — both in scale and significance. The surge in participation from Taiwan's government, domestic manufacturers, and foreign defense firms underscores the island's rising importance in the global security and supply chain landscape.
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, nations around the world have intensified their focus on asymmetric warfare and supply chain independence. In Taiwan, this shift has been reinforced by government-led initiatives, such as indigenous shipbuilding, sparking widespread mobilization across both traditional and high-tech industries.
According to organizers, the 2025 edition of TADTE has grown nearly 50% larger than its 2023 predecessor, setting a new record. Notably, defense and military technologies are no longer the exclusive domain of the armed forces — private-sector involvement is rapidly expanding, particularly in the development of unmanned systems.
Unmanned systems take center stage
The centerpiece of this year's event is undoubtedly the unveiling of next-generation unmanned vehicles, including drones and uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). These platforms are widely viewed as crucial to modern warfare, especially given Taiwan's unique geopolitical position and persistent pressure from regional adversaries.
For domestic players, unmanned technologies offer a strategic entry point into the defense supply chain. Several defense contractors and electronics firms have seized the opportunity to showcase dual-use innovations that bridge consumer, industrial, and military applications.
Shipbuilders join the national defense effort
In a notable first, Taiwan's traditional shipbuilders — including Lungteh Shipbuilding, Jong Shyn Shipbuilding, CSBC Corp., and Corum — made their debut at TADTE. Each presented capabilities in unmanned naval platforms and integrated vessel systems, reflecting a broader transformation from civilian to defense-oriented maritime engineering.
Aerospace leader AIDC also returned with a full display of advanced aircraft technologies, co-developed with local suppliers. Meanwhile, Ta Ya Electric leveraged its expertise in cable manufacturing to develop superconductive enameled wire for drone motors, and LCY Technology introduced high-temperature wiring and composite processing for use in naval and aerospace systems.
Electronics sector steps into defense spotlight
Taiwan's world-class electronics industry, long focused on consumer and industrial markets, is now accelerating its push into defense and aerospace. Companies across the value chain — from semiconductors to AI systems — are contributing to the development of communications, satellite systems, and intelligent control modules for unmanned platforms.
Qisda Group will unveil its CubeSat "Black Kite-1", alongside advanced drones and ground control stations, showcasing the integration of electronics and space technology. Subsidiaries such as Rapidtek and Dragonfly UAS are pioneering satellite IoT solutions and aerospace innovations that align commercial research and development with military-grade requirements.
Adlink Technology, renowned for its rugged computing systems, is introducing AI-powered computing platforms specifically designed for autonomous drone operations and battlefield inference tasks.
Optics firms Altek and Brinno, both first-time exhibitors, are showcasing infrared imaging systems, AI-enabled target tracking, and low-light surveillance capabilities. Sensortek Technology, under the Sitronix Group, continues its work on flight control systems, offering key attitude and navigation modules. Cub, better known for automotive electronics, is branching into anti-drone systems, revealing new RF detection and radar integration technologies.
Strategic value in civil-military tech integration
Industry experts say Taiwan's electronics sector — with its globally competitive manufacturing and integration capabilities — is well-positioned to translate civilian technologies into military-grade systems. This transformation could help establish a resilient, self-reliant defense supply chain, strengthen Taiwan's role in global defense markets, and secure greater influence in high-value, dual-use technologies.
Article edited by Jerry Chen
