The Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE 2025) kicked off on September 18, reflecting how geopolitical conflicts have heightened global attention on the military industry. James Huang, chairman of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), observed that this year's exhibition reached a record scale with an energetic atmosphere comparable to Computex.
He attributed this growth primarily to Taiwan facing international geopolitical pressures, which have driven efforts to enhance defense self-reliance and ensure national security. Strengthening domestic defense manufacturing capabilities has become a key policy direction, drawing significant attention to Taiwan's military industrial products and fueling the booming drone sector.
Reportedly, this year's TADTE gathered over 400 exhibitors from 14 countries, marking more than a 49% year-over-year increase. The exhibition showcased Taiwan's cutting-edge technologies and complete industrial chain spanning defense, aerospace, space, and unmanned vehicles.
Several American arms manufacturers participated in person, while representatives from the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) also attended. Huang noted that the US pavilion has consistently been a popular feature at the exhibition, with leading global military contractors such as Lockheed Martin, RTX, GE Aerospace, Shield AI, and DTC exhibiting their latest aerospace and communication technologies.
Huang analyzed that the military industry has gained momentum following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. Unmanned aerial and maritime vehicles have reshaped modern warfare, prompting militaries worldwide to upgrade their arsenals, contributing to the vibrant exhibition environment.
Taiwan's drone industry benefits from being outside the Chinese supply chain, attracting global interest. Besides the US, Germany and Poland also sent delegations to participate, and notably, Ukraine recently dispatched a procurement team to negotiate drone orders.
Drone companies revealed that the US's strong innovation capacity makes it highly interested in Taiwan's critical drone components, motivating large-scale visits to explore potential collaborations during the event.
Huang further stated that ongoing negotiations are underway between Taiwan and both Poland and Ukraine. Recently, a Ukrainian procurement delegation comprising more than a dozen major state-owned and private enterprises visited Taiwan and engaged in order discussions with drone manufacturers.
Given Taiwan's unique international political situation, its military equipment procurement often faces geopolitical pressure. This reality underscores why mastering domestic defense production capability remains a central industrial policy goal.
Article edited by Jack Wu
