Taiwan’s opposition-controlled parliament rejected a T$210 billion government special budget plan to procure military drones, approving an alternative proposal totaling T$240 billion over six years through annual budgeting.
The rejected government proposal aimed to run until 2031 to acquire approximately 210,000 drones. Officials emphasized that uncrewed systems could not wait, citing lessons from modern conflicts in Ukraine and Iran regarding the growing importance of autonomous weapons amid rising pressure from China, as reported in the Taipei Times.
Instead, lawmakers voted through an opposition framework setting annual spending at T$40 billion in principle, with provisions for increases if necessary. Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that authorities will carefully review the legislation to determine whether it satisfies national security requirements, defense self-reliance, and the development of the domestic uncrewed vehicle industry.
The Ministry of National Defense expressed regret over the outcome, noting that its original blueprint relied on in-depth internal assessments and coordination with allied nations. The United States has strongly supported Taiwan’s initiatives to expand military drone capabilities.
Opposition lawmakers defended the decision by emphasizing the need for legislative oversight. Kuomintang lawmaker Hsu Chiao-hsin argued that the administration cannot secure funds without proper supervision. Conversely, Defense Minister Wellington Koo warned that an annual cap of T$40 billion would restrict combat capability expansion, noting that the ministry already scheduled T$42.1 billion in drone expenditures for 2027 alone. Ruling party lawmakers cautioned that routing the initiative through regular annual budget reviews could create significant delays and uncertainty for urgent defense requirements.
