Ministry of National Defense: Growing Demand for Unmanned Systems, Exploring Various Budget Supplement Methods

(Taipei, June 17 — Reporters Wu Shu-wei and Yu Kai-hsiang) Deputy Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien stated today that the military's operational demand for unmanned and counter-unmanned systems has always existed and is growing stronger. Therefore, the Ministry of National Defense will follow Executive Yuan guidance and use various methods—including supplementary budgets, annual budgets, and special budgets—to supplement these operational requirements.

Today, the Foreign and National Defense Committee of the Legislative Yuan continued reviewing the 2025 fiscal year (115th year) Central Government General Budget, specifically the non-commercial fund budget under the Ministry of National Defense. Hsu made the remarks before entering the committee meeting room to address media inquiries.

Regarding the return schedule of the first F-16V Block 70 fighter aircraft purchased from the U.S., Hsu explained that the return of F-16Vs involves sensitive matters. However, Minister of National Defense Koo Ji-hong previously stated that the first F-16V fighter is expected to return to Taiwan by the end of September, and the current timeline remains under control.

President Lai Ching-te stated yesterday that the government will always be the strongest support for the military. Despite significant cuts to the defense special budget, the government will not give up and will instead propose a special act or use supplementary budgets and increased annual public budgets to support the armed forces.

Hsu pointed out that the military's operational demand for unmanned platforms and counter-unmanned systems has always existed and is increasing. Everyone now understands that unmanned and counter-unmanned systems are indispensable on the modern battlefield and are leading new trends in warfare. Therefore, the military must establish these capabilities regardless of circumstances.

Hsu stated that due to persistent operational demands, the Ministry of National Defense will follow Executive Yuan guidance and employ various methods. As Minister Koo previously mentioned, this includes supplementary budgets, next year's annual budget, and potentially special budgets to meet these operational needs.

When asked whether the military is prepared to receive newly acquired U.S.-made equipment—including the Volcano mine system, Stinger missiles, and MQ-9B drones—scheduled for delivery in the second half of this year, Hsu explained that the military conducts reception and training simultaneously whenever new weapons arrive in Taiwan. This process is mandatory and never delayed until after delivery; preparations are made in advance for every single weapon system. (Edited by Lin Shu-yuan) 1150617