A cross-agency task force created to select a team of uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturers yesterday said a national UAV fleet could be established administratively in the latter half of the year after it picks the lead manufacturer for the program this month.
About 3,000 UAVs are to be used for military purposes despite not being made to military specifications, and are expected to be delivered to the military by next year, the task force said.
The UAVs would primarily provide support or be used in field operations, it said.
Photo: CNA
Taiwan has been focused on developing its aerospace industry, under the broader “five plus two” innovative industries and “six core strategic industries” policies.
“Five plus two” refers to plans to develop an “Asian Silicon Valley,” biotechnology, green energy, smart machinery and defense, as well as innovative agriculture and the circular economy.
The six core strategic industries are information technology, cybersecurity, precision health, renewable energy, national defense and strategic stockpiling.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs said nine firms have been reviewed, and by July are expected to produce prototypes for shipborne reconnaissance, land-based reconnaissance and general reconnaissance, as well as prototypes of miniature drones and drones with target-acquisition capabilities.
The Ministry of National Defense is set to launch a limited bidding period in August to select prototypes, the task force said.
Active and passive radars and drone-interference systems have been selected, but the manufacturers for those would not be chosen until after the Lunar New Year, the economic affairs ministry said.
The government is considering the possibility of having the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST) transfer its defensive technologies to manufacturers.
Interested parties must provide proof that China-based companies do not fund them and they do not have shares in China-based firms, and pledge not to use products or components manufactured in China or by Chinese firms, the defense ministry said, adding that they would also be required to sign a nondisclosure agreement.
The task force comprises officials from the National Science and Technology Council, the CSIST, and the defense and economic affairs ministries.
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