Taiwan's government is setting up a national drone testing center in Taichung, a boost for local drone makers who now have to send products abroad for certification.

• The economics ministry will build the lab at its standards bureau office in Taichung, with construction spread over three years and opening in 2029.
• It will test drones under 25 kilograms for things like swarm flying, obstacle avoidance, and satellite links, plus a shielded room for radio testing.
• Local companies save time and money by testing at home instead of sending drones overseas for approval.
• Drones tie into defense, electronic warfare, and the emerging low-altitude economy, so Taichung is being pushed as a production hub.
• The cabinet approved the three-year plan in early September, with the aim of matching international standards.

Outlook: Taichung is positioning itself to expand from drones into unmanned vehicles and humanoid robots, with local officials hoping it becomes Taiwan's next strategic industry.