Defense Expo Returns to Taiwan

Written by Kevin Williams | September 17, 2023

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On September 14, the Taiwan Aerospace & Defense Technology Expo (TADTE) returned to Taipei for the first time in four years. The defense expo, which had been under hiatus due to COVID-19, saw its largest turnout to date. Nearly 300 Taiwanese and international exhibitors participated from 10 different countries. Among the international participants was the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) who hosted a pavilion at the expo for the first time. 

Director Sandra Oudkirk of the AIT, who holds the same rank as an ambassador, remarked, “the strong turnout reflects the rapid development and growth of Taiwan’s aerospace and defense industry, as well as the growing international attention to trade and investment opportunities in the Taiwan market.”

Along with the AIT, U.S. presence was represented by major military manufacturers including Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and L3Harris Technologies. 

Despite the robust international presence at the expo, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense drew the spotlight featuring numerous advanced weapon systems with a new attack drone taking center stage. 

The Taiwan Aerospace & Defense Technology Expo offered an opportunity for both professional buyers and the public to glimpse the growing developments in the defense industry. Additionally, the gathering allowed international partners and companies to express greater solidarity with Taiwan in the midst of their growing security concerns. The day after the expo’s opening, Stephen O’Bryan of Northrop Grumman announced that they would open a Taipei office in August and commit 100 million USD annually to enable Taiwan to join the company’s global supply chain. Solidarity around Taiwan’s defense capacity further fueled resentment in China, who on September 15 announced sanctions on Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin for supplying weapons to Taiwan.