TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Poland has emerged as the largest buyer of Taiwan’s drones, accounting for the majority of exports this year as it lessens reliance on Chinese components.
Bloomberg reported that up to August, Poland had purchased nearly 60% of Taiwan’s drone exports, worth around NT$975 million (US$32 million), compared to nearly zero in previous years, per Liberty Times. The US ranked second with about NT$213 million (US$7 million).
Taiwanese drone maker Ahamani told Bloomberg that demand from Poland is so strong that it plans to establish a factory there. A major South Korean drone producer has also approached the company about sourcing non-Chinese motors.
Ahamani CEO Kung Tzu-chi (龔子琪) told the news agency, “In my view, Europe is a very important market in the drone industry. And Poland is a key gateway and base for us." Kung added that since drone companies worldwide are seeking non-Chinese supply chains, there is a shortage of motors and batteries.
After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, drones have played a crucial role for Ukraine and its allies. In recent weeks, Russian drones have intruded into the airspace of several NATO members, including Poland.
Poland’s drone industry has grown swiftly and is now exploring foreign markets. The country’s largest drone maker, WB Electronics, saw revenue double last year to about 3 billion zloty (NT$25.2 billion), compared to just 343 million zloty in 2021.
Kung said WB has proposed a joint production agreement with Ahamani. Heavily reliant on weapons contracts, WB also sells products to Ukraine and has a factory there.
Justyna Siekierczak, board member of the Polish Chamber of Unmanned Systems, told Bloomberg, “For Poland, closer cooperation with Taiwan is very good news." She warned that if her country faces instability or greater hybrid threats, it must be prepared to expand domestic production capacity.
Taiwan has accelerated drone development. However, despite its strong industrial base and world-class semiconductor capabilities, its drone industry has experienced limited orders and shortages of key components.
Large firms have also been reluctant to invest due to their interests in China and concerns about weak demand. To counter this, the government has offered R&D subsidies and procurement programs.
Now, rising Western demand for Taiwanese-made drones, driven by the need to bypass Chinese parts, has created new business opportunities.
One Polish importer of Taiwanese drone components is Farada Group, which also designs drones for the US market. Farada Operations Director Joanna Rutkowska told the media outlet that when planning to expand into the US, the firm needs to replace Chinese parts.
Farada began working with Ahamani in 2023, sourcing most of its motors and batteries from the company. Rutkowska added, “Taiwan offers high-quality equivalents, with similar availability," while meeting US security standards.
