Taipei Aerospace and Defense Exhibition Highlights Military Innovations

The Taipei Aerospace and Defense Exhibition opened on October 24, 2023, showcasing significant advancements in military technology and defense collaborations. The event features 51 new military systems and a record number of exhibitors, reflecting the growing emphasis on Taiwan’s defense capabilities amidst regional tensions. Running through October 26 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, the exhibition includes 490 exhibitors occupying 1,500 booths, a notable increase from 275 exhibitors last year.

Strengthening Defense Partnerships

During the opening ceremony, Karin Lang, Deputy Director of the American Institute in Taiwan, highlighted the expansion of the US pavilion, which has doubled in size since its last appearance, now featuring over 40 companies. Lang emphasized the importance of collaboration between American and Taiwanese firms, stating that such partnerships enhance regional security and prosperity. “Supply chain vulnerabilities, technological competition, and evolving security threats require us to work even more closely with trusted partners,” she remarked in the presence of Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo.

The exhibition also marks a significant milestone in Taiwan’s defense cooperation with the United States. On October 24, Taiwan unveiled its first missile developed in partnership with a US company. The Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology has announced plans to sign multiple agreements with US and Canadian firms, including AirShare for anti-drone rockets and Anduril Industries for underwater surveillance drones. Earlier this year, the institute formed a partnership with Anduril to co-produce the Barracuda-500, an autonomous cruise missile.

Exhibition Highlights and Future Goals

Institute President Lee Shih-chiang noted that the aim is to achieve manufacturing independence should conflict arise. “Our goal is that if war or a blockade starts, we would be able to manufacture every weapon we need to protect ourselves,” he stated during the expo, where the Barracuda-500 was prominently displayed. Anduril’s Taiwan head, Alex Chang, added that the focus of their collaboration is on ensuring “mass producibility” and sustainability in local production.

The supply chain for the Barracuda-500 is projected to be established within 18 months, utilizing 100% Taiwanese components. The Ministry of National Defense has organized the exhibition into four sections: joint operations weapons, uncrewed systems, dual-use technologies, and talent recruitment. Highlights include new systems like the M1A2T tank, the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, and the Chiang Kung missiles.

Reflecting lessons learned from recent global conflicts, the uncrewed systems section features 19 innovations, including Mighty Hornet attack drones and autonomous vehicles. The ministry aims to improve Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare capabilities and support the growth of its domestic drone industry.

Innovations showcased in the dual-use technology section include transparent electromagnetic pulse-shielding windows and advanced security monitoring systems, developed through collaborations between the defense industry and academic institutions. These initiatives aim to bolster defense self-reliance and stimulate economic growth.

The exhibition anticipates an attendance of around 40,000 visitors, demonstrating public support for national defense. To engage the community, interactive experiences and guided tours are available, alongside a recruitment area designed to attract talent to the defense sector.

Looking ahead, Taiwan has set an ambitious goal to allocate 5 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to defense spending by 2030, up from the 3.3 percent planned for the upcoming year. This increase is projected to lead to military procurement in the range of $50 billion to $60 billion, according to Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the US-Taiwan Business Council. He indicated that approximately one-third of this budget will focus on domestic production, while the remainder will primarily support international collaborations, especially with the United States.