Taipei: The Legislative Yuan on Thursday passed a key budget bill that prioritizes the procurement of indigenous drones, setting a spending cap of NT$240 billion (US$7.56 billion) in principle while allowing additional funding subject to legislative approval.
According to Focus Taiwan, the opposition-led Act on Strengthening Defense Autonomy and Developing the Unmanned Vehicles Industry was passed with 60 votes for and 50 against in the 113-seat Legislature. The bill aims to enhance national defense capabilities while also focusing on industrial regulation and development. It includes provisions for the planning of unmanned vehicle testing sites and mandates for indigenous production levels and cybersecurity compliance.