Military

Taipei Defense Exhibition To Showcase Homegrown Weapons Systems

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By Justin Wu/Alan Lu

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Taipei is set to host this year’s aerospace and defense technology exhibition starting on Thursday, showcasing Taiwan’s most advanced homegrown weapons and key international partnerships.

Defense Expo Preview

 

Exhibition shows Taiwan’s resolve to protect itself

 

REPORTER:  

China is continuing to send military aircraft around Taiwan.

 

Taiwan’s defense ministry says it tracked more than 30 Chinese warplanes in the 24 hours up to Wednesday morning, with 26 crossing into the country’s air defense identification zone.

 

It’s a daily example of Beijing’s gray-zone tactics aimed at wearing down Taiwan’s defenses.

 

But Taiwan isn’t standing still.

 

In recent years, it has been stepping up production and purchases of advanced weapons to counter China’s growing threat.

 

And some of those systems will be on display at this year’s Taipei defense exhibition, starting Thursday.

 

Sun Li-fang (DEFENSE MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON):  

Through this exhibition  

we also hope to show the integration  

of our military and private sectors  

demonstrating the combined strength and cooperation  

of our defense industry  

presenting this  

to show that we have a very solid  

and democratic industry supply chain  

as our guiding principle.

 

REPORTER:  

One key element Taiwan is highlighting is its unmanned system capabilities.

 

For example, this reconnaissance tactical wheeled vehicle was developed in Taiwan. It is built for all terrains, equipped with unmanned systems, and can be armed — giving it both surveillance and attack functions.

 

Jen Kuo-kuang (DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MISSILE SYSTEMS RESEARCH DIVISION, NCSIST):  

Besides reconnaissance,  

it can also conduct strikes depending on the situation  

carry out attack missions.  

Of course, the drone can also function as a communication relay  

and it can be remotely guided and controlled  

to determine exactly where it should strike.

 

REPORTER:  

Another spotlight is on aerial drones. Taiwan has been working with the U.S. on drone innovation, and together they’ve developed this high-speed attack drone designed to carry out joint missions more effectively.

 

Chang Wen-tzung (PROGRAM MANAGER, UAS PROGRAMS, NCSIST):  

The main reason we’re seeking Taiwan-US cooperation  

is to use this exhibition  

to attract more manufacturers  

to jointly develop this type of drone  

and reduce overall costs.

 

REPORTER:  

Embrace Penghu Bay  

dock at Keelung Harbor  

we must plant the flag of victory on Formosa (Taiwan).

 

Last week, China’s military released a new song set against street scenes of Taipei to rally morale for the prospect of unification.

 

In response to Beijing’s growing mix of propaganda and military pressure, Taiwan is working to demonstrate its resolve. This week’s defense exhibition is one way the country is showcasing its capabilities and its determination to defend itself.

 

Justin Wu and Alan Lu for TaiwanPlus.