Taiwan research group to work with U.S. defense firm on drone development

Taipei, June 3 (CNA) The government-sponsored Metal Industries Research & Development Centre (MIRDC) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with U.S.-based defense technology developer Anduril Industries on the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The MOU was signed by MIRDC Chairperson Liu Chia-ju (劉嘉茹) and Anduril founder Palmer Luckey in Taipei and witnessed by Industrial Development Administration (IDA) Director-General Chiou Chyou-huey (邱求慧).

In a statement, the IDA, under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, said cooperation will focus on the development of AI autonomous systems and key drone components, while the two parties will integrate the supply chain, promote localized production and expand technology exchanges.

The IDA said the partnership is expected to strengthen the China-free supply chain, broaden international cooperation and help Taiwan achieve the standards of global drone development.

According to the IDA, Anduril Industries, a major United States defense company, was founded in 2017 and has worked with the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and the governments of U.S. allies.

The IDA said Anduril's cooperation with these agencies has included the development of autonomous combat systems, AI command and control platforms, and advanced sensing technologies for use in border surveillance, counter-drone defense, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Taiwan has well-developed information and communications technology, precision machinery, metal processing and electronic components sectors and is now looking to compete in the global market for drones, the IDA said.

Currently, the IDA has helped more than 10 Taiwanese companies to secure trial or mass production orders from Anduril forUAV airframe structures, payload equipment and power systems.

The IDA noted that the MOU will allow Taiwan and the U.S. to cement their technology cooperation and speed up the pace of drone development to meet growing global demand, and eventually strengthen Taiwan's standing in the global supply chain.