TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US Defense Innovation Unit is reportedly sending a representative to Taiwan this year to deepen drone and tech cooperation.

“We intend to place liaisons with allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East as quickly as personnel become available,” a DIU spokesperson informed the Financial Times. “Exchanging liaisons with like innovation organizations is an important component of the DIU’s international line of effort, as it allows (us) to seize collaboration opportunities early,” they said.

According to a person familiar with the matter, “Drones will certainly be a focus, but they will also be looking at connecting to the broader civilian and dual-use ecosystem, including the tech sector.” 

The Taiwan liaison officer will be dispatched to the American Institute in Taiwan. The DIU also plans to send representatives to other partner countries, including Japan.

Responding to the report, Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said the ministry maintains close military exchanges and cooperation with US defense-related units, and cooperation with DIU is a part of these interactions. However, he said the ministry did not comment on specific cases. 

Taiwan aims to acquire 48,750 combat drones within two years. The Armaments Bureau has called on domestic drone manufacturers to submit proposals for five types of military drones to be built by 2027.