
Taiwan's first domestically built submarine, the Hai Kun, was seen leaving Kaohsiung Port on September 21 for its 21st sea trial and 15th diving test. The vessel has remained out of public view for nearly two months since setting sail on July 30. The project is now entering the final stretch, following a period of in-depth adjustments, raising the possibility that it could be delivered as early as October.
South Korea and the US have hit an impasse in final-stage investment talks over commercial viability safeguards, with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung saying that some parts are hard to accept. The deadlock is raising concerns that the months-long negotiations over South Korea's investment plans in the US could collapse.
Following the Legislative Yuan's passage of the Act on Strengthening Defense Autonomy and Developing the Unmanned Vehicles Industry and its subsequent countersignature by the Executive Yuan, Taiwan's drone industry is preparing for a potential new wave of government procurement, with tenders possibly emerging by the end of 2026. While the expected domestic orders could provide a boost, Taiwanese drone manufacturers are also accelerating overseas expansion to diversify their customer base and reduce reliance on local procurement.
Very low Earth orbit (VLEO) is moving from concept toward real-world deployment.


