Taiwan seals deal for Ukraine combat-tested drone software to counter Beijing
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Taiwan has signed a partnership deal with US and Germany-based Auterion for drone software that has been tested on the battlefield in Ukraine. The technology was expected to be used to strengthen the self-ruled island's defences. According to information released about the deal signed on June 17, 2025, the Auterion software has been used in Ukrainian drones operating combat missions against Russian forces. The agreement could eventually lead to the technology being used in millions of drones deployed by Taiwan. The island is actively engaging both local and international defence innovators to showcase uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) technologies with potential military applications. As part of Taiwan's efforts, 12 companies – including seven from Taiwan and the others based in the US – are taking part in a two-day USV demonstration at Suao port in Taiwan's northeastern Yilan county. The government-backed National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, which organised the event, said data collected would be used to develop a standardised control system and modular platforms adaptable to missions, including patrol, search and rescue, environmental monitoring and logistics.
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