Taiwan's Presidential Office Criticizes Drone Law Passage, Citing National Security Needs

Taiwan's Presidential Office has expressed disappointment following the legislative passage of a bill aimed at developing the nation's drone industry and strengthening defense autonomy. The Legislative Yuan approved the Kuomintang's version of the "Regulations on Strengthening National Defense Autonomy and Unmanned Vehicle Industry Development," but the Presidential Office argues it falls short of critical national security requirements.

“

Unfortunately, the version passed by the legislature did not fully consider national defense needs. While countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan are all stepping on the gas and accelerating, Taiwan should not be applying the brakes.

Presidential Office spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui stated that the approved version fails to adequately consider the urgent defense needs emphasized by the Ministry of National Defense. She drew a parallel with international efforts, noting that countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan are rapidly advancing their drone capabilities. Kuo lamented that Taiwan, instead of accelerating, appears to be "applying the brakes" on its own progress.

The Presidential Office had previously advocated for an 8-year special budget of NT$1.25 trillion, with a significant portion allocated to drone procurement. The specific focus was on three crucial types of unmanned vehicles: maritime surveillance drones, maritime attack drones, and unmanned surface vessels. The goal was to expedite their acquisition, bolster asymmetric warfare capabilities, and foster Taiwan's domestic drone industry.

“

The military's drones iterate very quickly, almost on a monthly basis. Internationally, including the US, UK, Australia, and Japan, all have established 'fast procurement mechanisms' for drones. When the international community is stepping on the gas and everyone is accelerating, Taiwan should not be stuck at the starting line, applying the brakes instead.

Kuo highlighted the rapid iteration cycle of military drones, often measured in months, and the international trend toward establishing "fast procurement mechanisms." She asserted that Taiwan must not remain stagnant while other nations surge ahead. Despite the legislative outcome, the Presidential Office pledged to explore all avenues within constitutional and legal frameworks to build necessary combat power and safeguard national security.

“

Of course, we will not slow down in the next step. We will seek all possible ways within the framework of the constitution and the law to build the necessary combat power and protect the nation's security.