Mayor Lu Shiow-yen: Drones are the next 'national defense mountain,' proposes regulations

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has called for the Legislative Yuan's Kuomintang caucus to draft its own drone regulations, highlighting the strategic importance of unmanned aerial vehicles for national defense. Lu referred to drones as the "next national defense mountain," drawing parallels to Taiwan's semiconductor industry, which is often called a "national defense mountain."

Lu's proposal stems from observations of drone effectiveness in recent conflicts, specifically mentioning the Russia-Ukraine and Iran wars. She argued that Taiwan urgently needs to develop its drone capabilities in line with the principle of defense self-sufficiency. The mayor suggested a significant investment, proposing an allocation of 240 billion New Taiwan dollars over six years, with approximately 40 billion New Taiwan dollars annually, though she noted that the exact figures could be subject to further discussion and negotiation.

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We should build the next national defense mountain.

"We should build the next national defense mountain," Lu stated, emphasizing Taiwan's potential to compete in the global drone market. She believes that legislators, being closer to the public, are best positioned to understand societal expectations and perceptions when formulating such regulations. The mayor's initiative underscores a growing recognition of drone technology's dual role in both military and civilian applications, and Taiwan's ambition to become a key player in this rapidly evolving sector.

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We should build the next national defense mountain.