Taiwan adds record defense budget for drones and unmanned boats

Sep 03, 2026

Taiwan's cabinet approved a record extra budget with a big chunk going to drones and unmanned boats, a boost for the island's defenses but one that still needs a divided parliament to sign off.

  • The extra spending package is the largest ever, with a large share going to the military and most of that to weapons purchases.
  • Drones and unmanned boats are the headline item, with money set aside this year and much more next year.
  • The military wants over 40,000 drones by next year, saying gear it should have received a year ago is still stuck.
  • Money for next year was pulled into this year's package on purpose, to get ahead of expected delays from opposition parties in parliament.
  • Officials say the early booking is legal because unspent funds can be carried over into the following year.

Outlook: The package now goes to a parliament controlled by the opposition, where how fast it moves will decide whether the drone build-out stays on schedule.

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