Tsung-Che Wei, an associate research fellow at The Third Research Division (Taiwanese Economy) of the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research (CIER), recently attended the “Central and Eastern Europe Credit Fund Program Briefing.” He stated that with the rapid diffusion of AI applications, rising geopolitical risks, and increasing demands for non-traditional security, drones have become a strategic industry under intense global attention. In recent years, Taiwan’s drone industry has achieved outstanding export performance. From January to November 2025, export value reached US$76.53 million, representing significant growth compared to the same period last year and demonstrating strong momentum and international competitive potential.
Central and Eastern Europe Becomes Key to New Strategic Layout for Taiwan’s Drone Sector
Associate Research Fellow Tsung-Che Wei highlighted that Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, particularly Poland and the Czech Republic, are rich in high-quality tech and engineering talent. Their well-established industrial foundations position them as crucial hubs for international drone industry cooperation in Taiwan. Amid global supply chain restructuring and shifts in the economic and trade environment, it is difficult for enterprises to continue relying on a single market. Taiwan should strengthen its ties with democratic market economies to build a “non-Red democratic supply chain” and enhance overall supply chain resilience.
The impacts of U.S. tariff policies can be effectively mitigated by expanding R&D overseas to foster technical cooperation and overcome non-tariff barriers. This approach also encourages the exchange and sharing of R&D achievements between Taiwan and the global community, which will further drive technological advancements and the long-term development of the drone industry.
Author: CIER Editorial Team
Date: December 22, 2025