Industry Urges Broad Discussion on Drone Regulations

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan has deferred a special bill aimed at procuring unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a move that has drawn attention from the defense industry. The executive branch had proposed a special budget of NT$210 billion for the initiative, but opposition parties successfully moved to postpone its inclusion in the legislative agenda.

Following the initial setback, opposition parties, specifically the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP), are preparing to introduce their own version. Their proposal reportedly seeks a NT$240 billion budget, but would integrate it into the regular annual budget rather than a special one. This shift in approach is expected to spark further debate and negotiation.

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As long as it can be a good regulation for the country, the general public, and the industry, regardless of which political party or version it is, the industry looks forward to it. We hope it can be passed as soon as possible. However, if it is handled as a general regulation and returned to the annual budget, we worry about potential crowding out of other budgets and the possibility of 'having one meal and then no meal' if the annual budget is not passed.

Industry stakeholders are closely watching the developments. Luo Zhengfang, chairman of the Taiwan Drone Industry Association (TNDIA), expressed the industry's desire for swift passage of a UAV procurement bill. He emphasized that regardless of which party's proposal is ultimately adopted, the key is that it incorporates industry voices, undergoes thorough discussion, and maintains transparency. Luo hopes the government will opt for a special budget and special legislation, fearing that relying on the regular annual budget could lead to funding uncertainties, described as "having one meal and then no meal."

Luo stated that the industry welcomes any legislation that benefits the nation, society, and the industrial sector, provided the process is transparent and addresses the industry's pain points. He noted that Melaka is the first state in the country to implement this initiative, appointing representatives from the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) as members of local government councils.

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We welcome anything that is good for the country. As long as the process is transparent, undergoes thorough discussion, incorporates voices from industry and the public, and can solve the industry's pain points, any version is good.