I.In the face of global geopolitical shifts and multiple non-traditional security challenges, the MND, under the President’s policy guidance and in consideration of defense operational requirements and administrative priorities, has prudently formulated its budget while taking into account the government’s fiscal capacity. The MND aims to maintain defense spending at least 3% of GDP, ensuring steady and sustainable growth to safeguard national defense, strengthen overall defense capabilities, and demonstrate the nation’s firm commitment to self-defense.
II.Taiwan’s national defense budget for 2026 calculated in accordance with NATO standards, will reach NT$949.5 billion (including veterans’ retirement payments and coast guard expenditures), accounting for 3.32% of GDP. Of this total, the MND has planned a budget of NT$806 billion, representing an increase of NT$161.1 billion (25%) compared with 2025. The allocation includes: Annual defense budget of NT$561.4 billion, an increase of NT$87.5 billion (18.5%) over 2025; fund budget of NT$65.4 billion; special budget of NT$69.2 billion for new fighter aircraft and the enhancement of sea and air combat capabilities; special budgets established under “Strengthening the Resilience of the Economy, Society, and National Security in Response to International Developments” and “Strengthening Defense Resilience and Asymmetric Force.”
III.In terms of the annual defense budget, priority is given to funding “personnel maintenance” needs. For “operations and maintenance,” continuous allocations are made to replenish equipment parts, ammunition, and supplies, as well as to strengthen information and communications resilience, ensuring high readiness levels of weapons and equipment and enhancing command, control capabilities. Meanwhile, “military investment” follows the principles of “multi-domain denial and resilient defense,” focusing on the continued procurement and replacement of various weapon systems and equipment. These efforts aim to build strong strategic endurance and defensive capabilities, establishing a deterrent force capable of effectively countering and preventing external threats.
IV.Regarding the new special budget for 2026, in accordance with the amended “Special Statute on Strengthening the Resilience of the Economy, Society, and National Security in Response to International Developments,” which passed its third reading at the end of August, a total of NT$108.1 billion has been allocated for the 2026–2027 period. This budget will fund six major projects, including the “Enhancement of Military-Civil Information and Communications Resilience and Equipment Efficiency” initiative. These projects aim to address urgent needs such as reinforcing command, control, and communications backup systems, increasing strategic material reserves, and improving ammunition storage and environmental conditions.
V.Additionally, in response to the P.R.C.’s regular and irregular military threats, the MND has drafted the “Special Act on Procurement for Strengthening Defense Resilience and Asymmetric Force Plan.” The MND will provide timely public briefings as the bill is reviewed, and plans to prepare the necessary budgets to build credible deterrent capabilities.
Excerpt from: R.O.C. National Defense Report, 4th Session of the 11th Legislative Yuan