Currently, new unmanned systems, cyber and EW, surveillance and reconnaissance technologies, communications technologies, AI, and novel weapons are emerging rapidly and becoming core competencies in the modern battlefield. Our defense force buildup must be able to swiftly and flexibly adopt these civilian technologies to meet the challenges of a rapidly-changing battlefields. The semiconductors, AI, defense industry, and information security in the Five Most Reliable Industries are identified by the MND as priority investment areas. Developing advanced semiconductors and AI applications, forging a UAV supply chain, and creating a standard-compliant information security infrastructure will boost domestic demand and help upgrade industries. The MND also maintains diversified acquisition channels to support both military security and self-reliant defense.
Adopting Innovative Technologies and Applications
- The MND will accelerate the development of defense innovations and leverage civilian research and development (R&D) and advanced manufacturing capacities to gain asymmetric advantages in our defense operations
- The MND has been actively adopting proven commercial technologies, such as AI and unmanned systems, to strengthen our defense capabilities and sustainable resilience. The MND will also refer to the experiences of Europe and the US and gradually develop the legal and ethical regulations of military AI to ensure compliance with international standards.
Self-reliant Defense and Diversified Acquisitions
- According to the principle of “indigenous production as our priority, foreign procurement as a supplement” from the National Defense Act, the MND is strengthening self-reliant R&D and manufacturing capacities for weapons and critical components and to implement the indigenous aircraft /ship building policy. In addition, the MND may acquire items through foreign military sales (FMS) or procurement of the commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) items to rapidly attain substantive capabilities.
- The MND has implemented certification on and provided incentives and subsidies to qualified domestic suppliers in the defense industry to encourage and help them to upgrade. Additionally, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology (NCSIST) has established the “Aerospace and UAV Industrial Park” and worked with the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to participate in the non-red international UAV supply chain.