TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Thirty U.S. defense contractors arrived in the country on Tuesday (June 4) to attend the Taiwan-U.S. Defense Business Forum 2024 on Thursday (June 6).

The delegation will discuss defense capabilities and exchange ideas with industry experts and scholars on topics such as drones and the defense industry, sources told CNA. They will also tour National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) and Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC).

Sources added the delegation is scheduled to meet with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and other senior government officials.

According to the agenda, President of the U.S.-Taiwan Business Council Rupert Hammond-Chambers and retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General Steven Rudder will attend the opening ceremony, per UDN. Former Deputy Minister of National Defense and current Legislator Chen Yung-kang (陳永康) will deliver a keynote speech.

In addition to defense companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, the forum will also feature Maritime Tactical Systems (MARTAC), a company producing unmanned attack boats, reflecting the recent trend toward unmanned vehicles.