'Chung-Feng I' drone listed as Taiwan-U.S. cooperative production and export item; next four weapon systems eyed

Taiwan and the United States have formalized a partnership to co-produce and market Taiwan's 'Chung-Feng I' (Sky Arrow I) attack drone internationally. This agreement marks a historic milestone, representing Taiwan's first instance of exporting a complete defense system, with the U.S. acting as the primary international distributor.

The collaboration is poised to expand beyond the initial drone model. Future export opportunities are anticipated to include other variants in the Chung-Feng series, models II, III, and IV, as well as 155mm artillery shells. These advanced drone models, particularly II and III, highlight anti-radiation targeting and low-cost mass production capabilities, aligning with global demand for 'non-Red supply chain' alternatives. The Chung-Feng IV drone, developed in collaboration with U.S. firm Kratos, has already undergone live-fire testing in the United States.

President Lai Ching-te recently visited the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) to review drone development, underscoring the strategic importance of this sector. Beyond unmanned aerial vehicles, large-caliber traditional munitions are also a focus. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense has allocated approximately NT$14 billion to establish automated production lines for 155mm artillery shells. This initiative not only bolsters Taiwan's self-defense capabilities but also aims to address potential shortages in U.S. strategic production capacity.

This new model of "Taiwan production, U.S. distribution" in military-industrial cooperation synergizes Taiwan's advanced manufacturing and cost-effective production with the U.S.'s extensive international sales channels and core technologies. While initially excluding prominent weapons like the Hsiung Feng III missile, the potential export of 500 to 1,000 Chung-Feng I drones signifies Taiwan's evolving role. The island is transitioning from a supplier of individual components to a crucial defense production backup base for the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region.