The Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST) on Thursday signed contracts and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with six international defense companies, coinciding with the opening of the Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition.
The partners include Canadian firm Airshare, and US companies Anduril, Leonardo DRS, AeroVironment, MARTAC and Northrop Grumman, the institute said.
CSIST president Lee Shih-chiang (李世強) signed an MOU with Leonardo DRS vice president Alan Mosher on fire control, gun control and sighting systems for the army’s M60A3 tanks.
Photo: RITCHIE B. TONGO, EPA
In the Airshare collaboration, CSIST is to integrate the Interceptor UX rocket system with its counter-uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) technology to neutralize hostile drones and protect military units and critical infrastructure, with integration tests planned by year’s end at Jioupeng (九棚) in Pingtung County’s Manjhou Township (滿州).
The institute would also expand its partnership with Anduril on low-cost loitering munitions and the Dive-LD underwater vehicle, Taiwan’s first autonomous navigation platform capable of 10-day submerged reconnaissance.
AeroVironment is to codevelop dual-use UAVs, while MARTAC would focus on uncrewed surface vessels with artificial intelligence-enabled target recognition and coordinated operations, and Northrop Grumman would assist in integrating missiles into the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) framework, a next-generation air and missile defense network.
All projects would emphasize local production, technology transfer and long-term collaboration to bolster Taiwan’s indigenous defense capabilities, the institute said.
The exhibition, held at the Nangang Exhibition Center in Taipei through today, features 400 exhibitors from 14 countries, the largest in the event’s history.
The CSIST is showcasing several of its latest systems at the exhibition, including a low-cost loitering munition, the Chien-Feng IV jet-powered target drone, the Kuai-Chi uncrewed surface vessel, the Rui-Yuan II (Sharp Hawk II) UAV and the Tien Kung IV (Sky Bow IV) missile system.
Meanwhile, Taoyuan-based Champion Auto Co yesterday signed a MOU with BAE Systems to provide logistical support and maintenance for Taiwan’s military equipment.
The agreement covers a range of systems, including M109A7 self-propelled howitzers, M88A2 armored recovery vehicles and AAV7 amphibious armed personnel carriers.
However, the US has not yet approved the sale of the M109A7 to Taiwan.
BAE Systems vice president for international business development in Asia Yoshi Tanaka declined to comment on the howitzer sale, saying only that the MOU is intended to help “prepare for future needs.”
BAE Systems is a multinational aerospace, defense and security company headquartered in London.
The collaboration is a new milestone for the company, Champion Auto said, adding that by combining BAE Systems’ extensive experience in military system integration with its own local capabilities, the two firms aim to provide Taiwan’s armed forces with more reliable equipment support.
The company has long specialized in the sale and maintenance of construction machinery and heavy-duty vehicles.
The MOU was signed on the second day of the exhibition.
Andy Corea, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems’ Combat Mission Systems business, said that as the original manufacturer of much of Taiwan’s military equipment, BAE Systems would expand its partnership with Champion Auto to continue supporting the nation’s defense forces.
In other news, President William Lai (賴清德) yesterday visited the 2025 Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE), where he toured booths of local and foreign defense companies, including US defense contractor Lockheed Martin, which manufactures F-16 fighter jets for Taiwan.
At the Nangang Exhibition Center, Lai visited the Defense Industry Pavilion and the Aerospace Industry Pavilion, where he was briefed on drone systems and newly developed counter-drone technologies by Taiwanese firms.
He also visited exhibits by the Taiwan Space Agency and a booth showcasing military wargaming systems, before heading to the sections featuring exhibitors from the United States and the Czech Republic.
During his stops at booths set up by US defense and aerospace companies Shield AI, Inc and Lockheed Martin Corp, Lai spoke briefly with representatives from the two companies and received product briefings.
Lockheed Martin manufactures Taiwan's Air Force F-16 fighters, while Shield AI is partnering with Taiwan's fighter jet developer Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC) to develop an advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) ecosystem.
Lai spent about an hour touring the Ministry of National Defense pavilion, where he tried several training simulators and was briefed on one of the highlights of this year's exhibition, the enhanced version of the Tien Kung III surface-to-air missile system.
The showing marked the first public display of the enhanced Tien Kung III, including the missile, its launcher and associated radar.
FUKUOKA SITUATION: Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported. “Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials. Health authorities are
Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) arrived in Taiwan yesterday ahead of upcoming AI and technology events, saying he plans to meet with clients and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) during his visit. After landing at Taipei Songshan Airport, Huang posed for photos with fans and handed out Yakult drinks to reporters and supporters waiting at the scene, saying he has “a lot to do” during the trip. Asked about reports that Nvidia’s planned headquarters site in Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park could break ground on May 27, Huang said that if the company holds an event, he would
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
Former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) yesterday expressed “shock and regret” over a statement issued by his wife without his consent, and rejected her assertion that his eldest sister, Ma Yi-nan (馬以南), would manage his medical care or act as his spokesperson amid an ongoing embezzlement probe into his foundation. Ma Ying-jeou in a statement said he was shocked by a statement by his wife, Chou Mei-ching (周美青), regarding his affairs. Ma Yi-nan “must not” be in charge of his healthcare and other personal affairs, nor can she be allowed to represent the Ma family, the former president said. He said he was also
RSS