TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation said Thursday it aims to deliver 18 Brave Eagle jet trainers this year despite supply chain delays.

AIDC said at its annual shareholder’s meeting it has delivered 45 Brave Eagle aircraft to date, per CNA. The defense contractor also revealed progress on a homegrown drone defense system, developed using its radar expertise, and is now undergoing systems-level testing, per UDN.

In civil aviation, AIDC said easing post-pandemic disruptions and rising material and labor costs allowed it to renegotiate customer prices. Airframe and engine component revenue accounted for 40% of sales, with improved gross margins.

AIDC is expanding into energy infrastructure as well. In March, it launched a 2 MW hybrid solar-storage microgrid demo site aimed at large electricity users. In May, it won a Taipower contract to supply advanced systems for Fenglin substation.

The company booked NT$8.5 billion (US$283.28 million) in new civil aviation orders in Q1, expected to bolster future revenue. It also installed new engine casing production equipment, with output set to rise sharply in the second half of the year.

Additionally, AIDC reported a record revenue of NT$39.3 billion in 2024, driven by recovering civil aviation orders and sustained Air Force maintenance contracts, per MoneyDJ. A dividend of NT$1.38 per share was approved, maintaining a 60% payout ratio.

Earnings per share dropped slightly to NT$2.30 from NT$2.36 the previous year, as supply issues and changes to US military contracts delayed jet trainer deliveries and led to penalties.