Taiwan launches drone diplomacy drive with international academy in Taipei and Chiayi

Taiwan is turning drones into a new instrument of diplomacy, combining donations to friendly countries with plans to export the systems and standards surrounding unmanned vehicles.

The Foreign Ministry has purchased about 145 drones in two categories: training models and multipurpose aircraft for uses such as agriculture and logistics. The drones will be donated to diplomatic allies in stages during the second half of the year.

The ministry is also supporting the establishment of the Global Unmanned Vehicle Alliance, or GUAVA. The nonprofit plans to open physical offices in Taipei and Chiayi this year and eventually work with overseas organizations to establish branches abroad.

The ministry described drone diplomacy as an extension of its broader diplomatic strategy. Drones could support smart agriculture, coast guard operations, disaster response, medical deliveries, digital governance and sovereign artificial intelligence. The first stage will focus on training pilots, while Taiwan also plans to help partners develop testing grounds, verification standards and relevant regulations.

GUAVA is intended to connect industry alliances, research and development, certification systems and professional training. The ministry sees it as a hub for exporting Taiwanese expertise in talent, certification, maintenance, legal compliance and institutional systems, moving beyond product exports. GUAVA signed memorandums of understanding with the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International in the United States in May and the Japan Drone Consortium in July.