(Central News Agency, Taipei,综合外电, July 13) According to data released last week by Taiwan's Ministry of Finance, Saudi Arabia purchased $47.2 million (approximately NT$1.52 billion) worth of Taiwanese drones in June, setting a new record for the highest single-month purchase by any country since statistics began in June 2023. This indicates that Taiwanese drones are attracting growing interest from international buyers.

Bloomberg News reported that Taiwan's emerging drone industry touts its non-red supply chain as a key selling point and collaborates with the United States on technology development. In 2023, Taiwan's drone exports surged approximately 20-fold year-on-year to reach $93.4 million (approximately NT$2.9 billion).

Previously, the Czech Republic and Poland were the top export destinations for Taiwanese drones, largely because both countries serve as transit hubs for drones being sent to Ukraine. Taiwan, having observed how Ukraine has used drones to counter Russian forces, has begun actively developing its domestic drone industry.

To support the industry, the government has introduced policies to encourage exports, aiming to expand production scale and reduce costs through increased foreign demand.

The Taiwanese drones purchased by Saudi Arabia weigh between 7 to 15 kilograms on average. Drones of this class can serve a range of industrial and military applications. Their specific purpose remains unclear at this time.

Su Tzu-yun, Director of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, believes these drones are most likely intended for reconnaissance purposes. (Translation: Chang Cheng-chien) 1150713