Taiwan's push to build a globally competitive drone industry is running into red tape at home, a problem for local makers trying to break into US supply chains.

• Taiwan wants drones for both defense and industry, but testing space and rules are the bottleneck.
• The government has mapped out 18 test zones and wants to cut approval times that used to take months.
• The island is crowded, so long-range drones often just fly in circles to test range — bigger tests may have to happen abroad with friendly countries.
• New drone models need radio and spectrum approval from the NCC, and the regulator's paralysis is squeezing companies.
• Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim warns that weakening Taiwan's asymmetric defenses could make Beijing misjudge the island's will to fight.

Outlook: Lawmakers are pushing to pass a special drone law on the 28th, which would ease testing rules and give the industry a clearer runway.