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Taiwan Navy Revives Drone Procurement Plan, Boosting Outlook for AIDC and Carbon-Based Tech
Electronic Technology · Aerospace & Defense · economic_daily · 2026-09-01
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The Taiwan Navy has shifted the Albatross II drone procurement to its annual budget, potentially awarding a NT$16.8 billion contract to local firms.
What Happened
Procurement Plan Revival: The Taiwan Navy has moved its Albatross II drone procurement project to the annual defense budget, with a planned investment of NT$16.8 billion between 2026 and 2029. The project aims to acquire 32 drones and associated control systems to enhance maritime surveillance and intelligence capabilities.
Supply Chain Advantage: Air Asia and Carbon-Based Technology, having previously collaborated on prototype production, are well-positioned for the mass production phase. Air Asia focuses on project management and system integration, while Carbon-Based Technology specializes in carbon fiber airframe manufacturing.
Enhanced Tactical Performance: The Albatross II offers significant upgrades over its predecessor, including an endurance of over 16 hours and a range of 2,000 kilometers. It features autonomous short-field takeoff and landing, AI-assisted surveillance, and advanced radar and electronic reconnaissance capabilities.
Strategic Value: The drone is expected to evolve into a multi-role platform capable of anti-submarine warfare and strike missions. This procurement not only bolsters national defense autonomy but also provides substantial growth opportunities for the domestic aerospace industry.