Taiwan is pushing to become a trusted supplier in the world's fast-growing drone business, good news for its manufacturers and for buyers who want to avoid Chinese-made parts.

• Foreign governments and companies are buying Taiwanese drones and parts because they want supply chains free of Chinese components.
• Drone exports exploded this year, already beating all of last year's shipments, with most going to Europe and likely ending up in Ukraine.
• Taiwan still has gaps in AI chips, cameras, and flight controls, and is funding companies to close them by early 2027.
• Crowded skies at home limit testing, so Taiwan wants to test drones in friendly countries with more open airspace.
• Taipei is also giving drones to diplomatic allies like Palau, using them to build ties as Beijing tries to isolate the island.

Outlook: Expect more joint production deals and cybersecurity certifications as Taiwan races to catch up with China, the U.S., and Ukraine.