Taiwan is rushing extra defense money through its cabinet to buy drones, sea drones and missile defenses it says should already have been in hand — a boost for local weapons makers, and a sign of how urgent the island now sees its own readiness.

• The cabinet approved a NT$607.6 billion top-up budget, with NT$145.7 billion of it going to defense.
• The biggest chunk, NT$55.9 billion, buys coastal surveillance and attack drones plus suicide sea drones; NT$64.5 billion goes to two classified programs.
• A separate NT$13 billion covers a mid-tier system to shoot down tactical ballistic missiles.
• These items were left out when lawmakers trimmed an earlier NT$1.25 trillion special defense bill, so they are being brought back through this budget instead.
• Ammunition stockpiles are being pushed from 30 days' worth toward 120 days, with NT$7.3 billion for restocking.

Outlook: If parliament passes the budget, the defense ministry plans to start drone purchases this year and have units combat-ready by the end of 2027, with local suppliers who have waited ten months finally getting orders.