Taipei Aerospace and Defense Exhibition Highlights Military Advancements

The Taipei Aerospace and Defense Exhibition opened on March 12, 2024, at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, showcasing 51 new military systems and attracting a record number of 490 exhibitors. The three-day event, which runs until March 14, has expanded significantly from last year’s 275 exhibitors, reflecting Taiwan’s growing defense capabilities and international collaborations.

During the opening ceremony, Karin Lang, Deputy Director of the American Institute in Taiwan, highlighted the increased participation of U.S. companies, noting that the U.S. pavilion has doubled in size since 2022, featuring over 40 firms. She emphasized that collaboration between American and Taiwanese companies not only strengthens bilateral ties but also enhances security in the broader region.

Key announcements at the exhibition included the unveiling of Taiwan’s first missile developed in partnership with a U.S. company, marking a significant step in defense cooperation. The Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology has committed to signing multiple agreements with U.S. and Canadian firms, including deals for anti-drone rockets from Canada’s AirShare and underwater surveillance drones from U.S. firm Anduril. Earlier this year, the institute entered into a partnership with Anduril to co-develop the Barracuda-500, a low-cost, autonomous cruise missile.

Lee Shih-chiang, president of the Chungshan Institute, stated, “Our goal is that if war or a blockade starts, we would be able to manufacture every weapon we need to protect ourselves.” He expressed confidence that a supply chain for the Barracuda-500, incorporating 100 percent Taiwanese components, would be operational within 18 months.

The exhibition is strategically divided into several sections, including joint operations weapons, uncrewed systems, dual-use technologies, and talent recruitment. The joint operations section features 20 new systems, including the M1A2T tank and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System. This array reflects Taiwan’s multidomain deterrence strategy, according to the Ministry of National Defense.

Learning from recent global conflicts, the uncrewed systems area highlights 19 innovations like the Mighty Hornet attack drones and an autonomous underwater vehicle. These developments underscore Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing its asymmetric warfare capabilities and expanding its domestic drone industry.

The dual-use technology section showcases advancements such as transparent electromagnetic pulse-shielding windows and next-generation security systems, developed through collaborations between defense industries and academic institutions. These projects aim to promote defense self-reliance and stimulate economic growth.

Previous exhibitions have drawn around 40,000 attendees, reflecting strong public support for national defense initiatives. This year’s event includes interactive experiences and guided tours to further engage the public and increase awareness of Taiwan’s defense capabilities.

In a significant shift, Taiwan aims to allocate 5 percent of its GDP to defense spending by 2030, an increase from 3.3 percent next year. This escalation in defense expenditure is projected to result in a minimum procurement of US$50 billion to US$60 billion in military hardware. Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the US-Taiwan Business Council, indicated that approximately one-third of this spending will support domestic production while the majority will be directed towards international purchases, predominantly from the United States.

As the Taipei Aerospace and Defense Exhibition continues, its focus on innovation, collaboration, and public engagement underscores Taiwan’s strategic priorities in an increasingly complex security landscape.