Taiwan UAV legislation sparks budget showdown between government and opposition

The Executive Yuan presented on June 26 a five‑year special‑budget plan of NT$2,100 billion for a “National Defense Autonomous Unmanned Vehicles Technology Development and Procurement Act,” which it seeks to pass through the Legislative Yuan.

The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) coalition submitted an alternative draft that would allocate NT$2,400 billion over six years via the regular annual budget—NT$400 billion each year—under the joint oversight of the Defense and Economic Ministries. Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiao‑yen travelled to the capital to endorse the KMT version, emphasizing the need for domestic drone capability and proposing the budget be split across six years.

KMT spokesman Chen Yi‑hsin condemned the government’s use of the special budget as “turning drones into a cash‑card” that bypasses fiscal discipline. Former media executive Zhao Shaokang also backed the KMT plan, warning that special‑budget procedures weaken legislative oversight. Executive Yuan Secretary‑General Zhang Dunhan warned the opposition draft may breach constitutional rules that require the Executive Yuan to originate budget proposals.

Defense Minister Gu Li‑hsung questioned whether the KMT’s NT$400 billion annual request would be approved without cuts or delays, underscoring the broader political dispute over Taiwan’s defense‑industry financing.