Taipei Aerospace and Defense Exhibition Highlights Manufacturing Goals

The Taipei Aerospace and Defense Exhibition launched on March 14, 2024, showcasing a record 490 exhibitors and unveiling 51 new military systems. The three-day event, hosted at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, emphasizes Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities amid evolving security challenges.

The exhibition features a significant increase in participation, growing from 275 exhibitors last year to 490 this year, which includes more than 40 companies from the United States. Deputy Director of the American Institute in Taiwan, Karin Lang, remarked during the opening ceremony that the US pavilion has doubled in size since the last exhibition. She emphasized that collaboration between American and Taiwanese companies not only benefits bilateral interests but also strengthens regional security.

On the first day of the exhibition, Taiwan introduced its first missile developed in partnership with a US firm, marking a pivotal moment in the strengthening of defense cooperation between the two nations. The Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology announced plans to sign multiple agreements with companies from the US and Canada. Notable collaborations include anti-drone rockets from Canada’s AirShare and underwater surveillance drones from Anduril, a US-based defense technology firm. Earlier in 2024, the institute had already partnered with Anduril to co-develop the Barracuda-500, an autonomous cruise missile.

Institute President Lee Shih-chiang expressed the urgency of Taiwan’s defense strategy, stating, “Our goal is that if war or a blockade starts, we would be able to manufacture every weapon we need to protect ourselves.” Details revealed that the Barracuda-500 will incorporate 100 percent Taiwanese components, with a supply chain set to be established within 18 months.

Exhibition Highlights and Technological Innovations

The Ministry of National Defense’s pavilion is organized into four segments: joint operations weapons, uncrewed systems, dual-use technologies, and talent recruitment. This year’s exhibition includes a variety of displays, such as hardware, multimedia exhibits, and interactive simulators. A guided tour program aims to increase public understanding of Taiwan’s defense capabilities.

The joint operations section features 20 new systems, including the M1A2T tank, the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, and the Chiang Kung missiles. These exhibits reflect Taiwan’s multidomain deterrence strategy, which is increasingly relevant given the lessons learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The uncrewed systems section displays 19 advanced technologies, including the Mighty Hornet attack drones and autonomous vehicles. These innovations underscore Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing its asymmetric warfare capabilities and developing a robust domestic drone industry.

Innovations in the dual-use technology section include transparent electromagnetic pulse-shielding windows and a next-generation intelligent security monitoring system. These projects, developed through collaborations between the defense industry and academia, aim to bolster Taiwan’s defense self-reliance while stimulating economic growth.

Previous exhibitions have attracted around 40,000 attendees, which reflects strong public support for national defense initiatives. To further engage the public, this year’s event has introduced a recruitment area alongside interactive experiences and guided tours.

Future Defense Spending and Global Partnerships

Taiwan is aiming to increase its defense spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2030, up from 3.3 percent in 2024. This increase in budget is expected to lead to military hardware procurements ranging from US$50 billion to US$60 billion. According to Rupert Hammond-Chambers, President of the US-Taiwan Business Council, approximately one-third of this budget will be allocated for domestic production, with the remaining going towards international procurement, predominantly from the United States.

The Taipei Aerospace and Defense Exhibition not only showcases Taiwan’s advancements in military technology but also highlights the essential partnerships with international allies. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, events like this play a crucial role in ensuring that Taiwan remains prepared and resilient in the face of potential security threats.