Defense Technology Forum Connects Taiwan’s Drone Industry with AI and Satellite Opportunities

Table of Contents

• You might want to know
• Main Topic
• Key Insights Table
• Afterwards...

You might want to know

• How are AI, autonomous systems, and low Earth orbit satellites reshaping the global defense industry?
• What could Taiwan’s technology companies gain by joining international defense supply chains?

Main Topic

As autonomous systems, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, and artificial intelligence develop rapidly, the unmanned vehicle industry is moving beyond competition over individual products. The sector is increasingly focused on integrating technologies and capabilities across disciplines, while international supply-chain collaboration is becoming central to long-term business planning. Against this backdrop, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) held the “2026 Global Defense Outlook: Aerospace and Defense Industry Strategy Forum” at the Taipei International Convention Center on the 7th. The event attracted more than 400 representatives from aerospace, defense, and technology industries in Taiwan and overseas, reflecting strong interest in the opportunities emerging around aerospace, defense, and unmanned vehicle systems.

TAITRA said the forum brought together global defense technology companies, leading unmanned-systems organizations, and representatives from Taiwan’s research, investment, and industrial communities. Discussions addressed the application of emerging technologies, international certification requirements, and cooperation across global supply chains. The program was intended to help Taiwanese companies understand industry trends and identify opportunities to expand their cross-border business relationships.

In his opening remarks, TAITRA Chairman James C. F. Huang (黃志芳) emphasized that unmanned vehicles are no longer simply stand-alone products. Instead, they are part of a new defense technology ecosystem, in which software, communications, hardware, and autonomous functions must work together. As defense industries become more technology-intensive, Taiwan’s established strengths in semiconductors, information and communications technology (ICT), electronic components, and precision manufacturing could support the development of a reliable supply chain capable of scaling unmanned vehicle production quickly. Huang described Taiwan as a key node in the democratic world’s “Trusted Supply Chain.”

The forum’s agenda illustrated how wide-ranging this systems-integration challenge has become. Topics included software-defined all-domain operations, unmanned surface vehicles, international certification standards, and LEO satellite communications. Considered together, these subjects point to a defense landscape in which performance depends not only on the capabilities of individual platforms, but also on the coordination of systems across operational domains and the resilience of the communications networks connecting them.

International speakers addressed several of these themes from industry and policy perspectives. Alex Chang, East Asia Managing Director and Taiwan Lead at Anduril, examined software-defined all-domain operations, focusing on the role of AI and autonomous systems in coordinating activity across multiple domains. His subject reflects a broader shift toward defense systems that can use software and data to connect capabilities and support coordinated operations, rather than treating each platform as an isolated asset.

Mira Resnick, Senior Director of Global Policy and Defense Partnerships at Saronic Technologies, focused on unmanned surface vehicles and maritime security. Her discussion highlighted the potential development of cooperative maritime defense, where unmanned vessels can contribute to a broader maritime-security framework. The topic also connected with the forum’s emphasis on integrating unmanned platforms into larger systems rather than evaluating them solely as individual vehicles.

Jimmy Santos, Director of Government Relations for Defense Affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), analyzed international defense procurement systems and compliance requirements. His presentation offered guidance on the certification pathways Taiwanese companies may need to follow to participate in international supply chains. Meeting such requirements can be an important step for businesses seeking to work with overseas defense customers, where procurement processes and standards shape which suppliers are eligible to contribute.

Celine Fahn, Managing Director of International Affairs for Taiwan at AeroVironment, addressed LEO satellites and communications resilience. Her subject underscored the potential for Taiwanese companies to participate in international communications supply chains. Reliable communications are a significant part of connected defense systems, and the forum’s focus on satellite links complemented its discussions of autonomous platforms and cross-domain coordination.

The event also convened Taiwanese research, investment, and industry representatives for in-depth discussion about the country’s future role in global aerospace and defense technology. A central theme was the rapid reorganization of global defense supply chains. In this environment, trust has become a core consideration in international cooperation. Partnerships are also evolving beyond straightforward product purchasing and component supply toward technology integration, joint research and development, certification, and collaboration to reach markets.

This change could have important implications for Taiwanese businesses. International engagement may no longer be limited to selling finished products abroad. Instead, companies could seek a place within the product development systems of major international defense technology firms. That deeper participation can create new strategic opportunities, while also requiring suppliers to meet demanding technical, operational, and certification expectations. The forum therefore served not only as a venue for discussion but also as a setting to consider how local capabilities might connect with international programs.

Participants included established global companies and startups, key Taiwanese suppliers in unmanned vehicles, aerospace, and defense, well-known publicly listed companies and technology firms, prominent institutions, official think tanks, government representatives, and industry associations. The mix created a cross-sector and international environment for exchange. TAITRA said the range of participants also demonstrated the breadth of Taiwan’s technology capabilities across industries.

Alongside the forum, TAITRA announced the first release of three industry maps covering unmanned vehicles, AI, and semiconductors. Together, these maps catalog nearly 1,000 high-quality Taiwanese companies. The initiative offers a structured view of businesses across several fields relevant to emerging defense and aerospace systems. It may also help international organizations and potential partners better identify Taiwan-based suppliers and understand the range of capabilities available locally.

The industry maps and the forum’s discussions reflect a common direction: Taiwan’s potential contribution is not limited to a single technology or product category. Semiconductor and component expertise, precision manufacturing, ICT capabilities, AI development, autonomous systems, and communications-related technologies can all be relevant to integrated platforms. Translating these strengths into international partnerships, however, depends on more than technical capacity. Certification, compliance, trust, research collaboration, and access to development networks also matter.

TAITRA’s announcement looks ahead to the next Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE), scheduled for September 23 to 25, 2027. The organization said it will continue using TADTE as an important platform linking Taiwan’s aerospace and defense industries with international markets. Its stated aim is to strengthen international cooperation in unmanned vehicles, aerospace technology, and defense supply chains, and to help more Taiwanese companies expand into global markets.

Key Insights Table

Afterwards...

The forum underscored how the future of unmanned vehicles and defense technology will depend on integrated systems and trusted international partnerships. Taiwan’s manufacturing and technology capabilities provide a foundation for participation, while certification, compliance, and collaboration will influence how effectively companies can enter global development and supply networks. Through initiatives such as its industry maps and TADTE, TAITRA aims to support those connections and help Taiwanese businesses explore opportunities across aerospace, defense, AI, unmanned systems, and communications.

As global supply chains continue to evolve, the most significant opportunities may lie in sustained cooperation—not simply in supplying a component, but in contributing expertise throughout product development and system integration. The next phase will depend on how companies, institutions, and international partners turn shared capabilities into reliable, practical collaborations.