Ministry of Economic Affairs Refutes Drone Procurement Interference Allegations, Highlights Industry Growth

Central News Agency (Taipei, July 17) - Regarding external allegations of improper interference in the Ministry of National Defense’s drone and drone defense system procurement cases, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) clarified today that manufacturers for military-commercial drones and defense systems were selected through a fair, transparent process by a multi-departmental guidance group.

The list of eligible manufacturers provided to the Ministry of National Defense serves only as a reference; final procurement still requires passing the Ministry of National Defense's verification and acceptance process, leaving no room for individual recommendations or private-interest interventions.

KMT lawmaker Wang Hong-wei recently pointed out that the vendor ChuangFuture Tech failed a re-examination for the Army's 'drone defense system' procurement and demanded immediate termination, alleging that the vendor was recommended by Wang Mei-hua, the former Minister of Economic Affairs and wife of Defense Minister Wellington Koo. Minister Koo responded yesterday that these were groundless accusations.

The MOEA stated that developing a drone strategy is essential for national security. It warned that political maneuvering could create a 'chilling effect' on the industry and jeopardize Taiwan's safety and development. In March 2023, four firms, including ChuangFuture Tech, were selected through a rigorous process.

In terms of industry development, the government highlighted that its preemptive planning has driven Taiwan's drone exports from $4.41 million in 2024 to $212 million in the first half of 2026, a growth of nearly 100 times.