Saudi Arabia Becomes Top Buyer of Taiwan-Made Drones
Taiwan recorded its highest-ever drone exports to Saudi Arabia in June. Finance ministry data shows Taiwan sold more than US$47 million worth of drones to the Middle Eastern country, making Saudi Arabia the largest destination for Taiwanese UAV exports in a single month since 2023. The record sale comes as Taiwan works to expand its domestic drone industry and position itself as an alternative supplier to China.
Taiwan Drone Market Expanding
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REPORTER:
Taiwan sold a record number of drones to Saudi Arabia in June, a potential sign its industry is expanding in the global market.
According to finance ministry data, Taiwan exported over $47 million US dollars' worth of drones to Saudi Arabia last month. That makes the Middle Eastern country the biggest buyer of Taiwanese UAVs in a single month since 2023. Analysts say Saudi Arabia will likely use the drones for reconnaissance purposes. It comes as Taiwan pushes to boost its domestic drone industry, aiming to become a major global manufacturing hub and an alternative to China.
Despite an export 2000% increase in 2025 China exported over 30 times more than Taiwan.
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Saudi Arabia Buys Record Drones
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REPORTER:
Taiwan sold a record number of drones to Saudi Arabia in June, potentially signaling the growing appeal of Taiwanese drones to the global market.
Per Bloomberg, Taiwan sold over $47 million US dollars' worth of drones to Saudi Arabia in June. That makes the Middle Eastern country the number one exporter of Taiwanese UAVs, outpacing any other country since 2023.
This comes as the island is trying to break into the industry as a major producer of domestically made drones, and an alternative to China. However, despite breaking new records, China still leads the industry, while Taiwan struggles with costs and manufacturing scale.
Despite an export 2000% increase in 2025 China exported over 30 times more than Taiwan.
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