Taiwan adds record defense budget for drones and unmanned boats
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.