A delegation from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, accompanied by representatives of 12 aerospace and technology firms, is visiting Taipei to pursue new business partnerships, highlighting the momentum of Taiwan-Germany cooperation in the aerospace sector.
“We are already working closely with neighboring countries, but we must also expand to other democratic partners,” Peter Harbich, a policy official in the ministry’s aerospace division, said on the sidelines of the Taiwanese-German Aerospace Conference on Tuesday. “Taiwan and Germany can work together — we are both democratic systems and we need more cooperation.”
The visit comes as Taiwan intensifies efforts to develop its aerospace industry, particularly in low Earth orbit satellites and uncrewed aerial vehicles.
Photo: Screen grab from Formosa News’ YouTube channel
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co recently launched its second-generation Pearl satellite, demonstrating advances in system integration and key technologies that have drawn international attention.
German officials pointed to complementary strengths of the two sides, noting Taiwan’s speed in development and Germany’s global reputation in precision manufacturing.
Some of the delegation members from firms specializing in satellite components, drone systems and aerospace materials expressed interest in potential defense-related applications.
Among the technologies showcased were thermal imaging systems capable of detecting hidden targets through subtle temperature changes, even without signal emissions.
German manufacturer Volz Servos presented actuator components essential for controlling drone flight.
“If you want to build a viable drone, the first subsystem to focus on is the actuator,” Volz Servos representative Paul Felber said. “Without engines and actuators, a drone simply cannot fly.”
Taiwan’s drone industry, valued at NT$12.9 billion (US$409.68 million) last year, is targeting NT$40 billion by 2030, with international collaboration expected to be the key to accelerating global expansion.
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off the coast of Yilan County at 8:39pm tonight, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said, with no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The epicenter was 38.7km east-northeast of Yilan County Hall at a focal depth of 98.3km, the CWA’s Seismological Center said. The quake’s maximum intensity, which gauges the actual physical effect of a seismic event, was a level 4 on Taiwan’s 7-tier intensity scale, the center said. That intensity level was recorded in Yilan County’s Nanao Township (南澳), Hsinchu County’s Guansi Township (關西), Nantou County’s Hehuanshan (合歡山) and Hualien County’s Yanliao (鹽寮). An intensity of 3 was
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