Taiwan Approves Two-Thirds of $40B Defense Plan to Expand Drone Fleet
RTX•US diplomat in Taipei urged Taiwan to boost spending on drones and unmanned systems to strengthen deterrence against China, citing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Taiwan’s parliament approved about two-thirds of President Lai’s $40 billion defense package and is awaiting a possible new $14 billion U.S. arms sale.
1. U.S. Diplomat's Recommendation
At a Taipei forum, Raymond Greene urged Taiwan to enhance its deterrence posture by investing more in drones and unmanned defense systems, citing recent warfare developments in Ukraine and the Middle East reshaping military balance.
2. Taiwan's Budget Approval
Taiwan’s legislature has approved roughly two-thirds of President Lai’s proposed $40 billion defense spending increase, prioritizing domestically built drone and missile programs to modernize forces under growing cross-strait pressure.
3. Pending U.S. Arms Sale
Taipei awaits a potential new $14 billion U.S. arms package, with U.S. leadership reviewing the sale, which could further support Taiwan’s acquisition of advanced unmanned systems and asymmetric defense capabilities.
