I.Emerging technologies including open-source intelligence (OSINT), artificial intelligence, unmanned platforms, swarm coordination, and autonomous navigation, combined with traditional platforms to build an intelligent combat system, are critically important in modern warfare. In particular, the introduction of AI into the military enables real-time intelligence collection and analysis, greatly accelerating command decision-making as well as ISR and early-warning capabilities. Going forward, the MND will establish an AI-assisted battlefield management platform to form an intelligent network that ensures operational decisions are timely and accurate, thereby improving overall combat effectiveness and engagement speed.
II.Looking ahead to emerging trends in defense technology, the R.O.C. Armed Forces are actively strengthening the foundation of self-reliance defense by continuously investing in basic and applied research. Through an integration of the scientific and technological capabilities of domestic industry, academia, and research institutions, and the introduction of new technologies to accelerate defense innovation, these efforts contribute to enhancing combat capability and strengthening defense resilience.
III.Regarding the current advanced defense technology R&D, emphasis is placed on unmanned platforms and counter-reconnaissance, atmospheric and hydrometeorological research and shipbuilding, information and communications and cyber protection, aerospace propulsion and missiles, weapons systems, personnel equipment, and innovative/asymmetric technologies, with 130 projects scheduled for execution in 2025. Additionally, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) is accelerating the development of cutting-edge weapon systems; in cooperation with domestic firms it is developing 27 key technologies, including broadband solid-state power amplifiers, autonomous navigation technologies for underwater unmanned vehicles, and missile image-processing modules.
IV.Additionally, the MND’s Defense Innovation Office (DIO) is procuring emerging-technology products through multiple channels. Plans for 2026 call for acquisition of tethered unmanned aerial systems, a man-portable dart-missile simulator, and a new field meteorological observation system, to be procured in small batches for test and evaluation as the basis for subsequent mass production. Concurrently, public solicitations have been launched for projects such as satellite-image AI automatic recognition, an augmented-reality intelligent combat system, and an intelligent warehouse management system, with prototypes to be developed by private firms in 2026. The MND is also using the National Science Council’s “Industrialization Roundtable” mechanism to advance six UAV-related and three cybersecurity requirements from the Armed Forces; these requirements have been announced and selected for inclusion by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Digital Affairs and incorporated into subsidized programs to encourage industry participation—ensuring the Armed Forces obtain needed equipment while also promoting private-sector development.
Excerpt from: R.O.C. National Defense Report, 4th Session of the 11th Legislative Yuan