Author: Joe O’Connor
Contributing Researchers: Jaime Ocon, Eric Gomez, Sean Dilallo, and Giuseppe DiStefano
See this week’s Taiwan Arms Tracker update, covering news relating to arms sales, indigenous production, and defense procurement in Taiwan, all below!
Cabinet Approves Drone Development Program
On Thursday, the Executive Yuan approved a proposal for indigenous production of drones, worth NT$44.2 billion (US$1.4 billion). Procurement will be funded via the ”special resilience budget” that is under Legislative Yuan consideration. Notably, about 100,000 drones will be purchased under the program, of which 48,750 would be for national defense.
ROCAF Solicits Bids for Anti-Drone Netting
On October 13, the Air Force Command Headquarters issued a preliminary inquiry for anti-drone equipment, including bird netting, tent pegs, and bamboo. The nets and other equipment will be deployed around Chiayi Air Base, where F-16V fighters are located. Similar nets are currently used in Ukraine to protect against first-person-view (FPV) drones.
Harpoon Coastal Defense System Delivery Updates
On Monday, Navy Chief of Staff, Vice Adm. Chiu Chun-jung provided an update to the LY on delivery of the Harpoon Coastal Defense System. As previously reported in September, Taiwan is expected to receive the first batch of Harpoon missiles (approximately ~20) for their existing 5 launchers by January 1, 2026. The new Littoral Combatant Command, under which the Harpoons will be based, will also be launched that day, per Chiu.
DIO Procures Tethered Drones, Stinger Simulators
The MND’s Defense Innovation Office (DIO) has announced its plans to acquire tethered drones, as well as Stinger missile simulators via small-lot procurement and evaluation. Tethered drones are meant to provide continuous data-linking and power over a fixed location. All procurements are expected to take place in 2026.
F-16 Block 70 and Brave Eagle Delivery Updates
During an LY hearing on Monday, Air Force Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Lee Ching-jan said that the “risk assessment is quite high” that delivery of the F-16V Block 70 fighters will be delayed until the end of 2026. He also said that funds to pay for the aircraft would be reserved from the Air Force’s budget. On Wednesday, it was also reported that 49 Brave Eagle advanced trainer jets were delivered by September 2025, with the remainder expected by 2026.
