StarLux Airlines chairman Kuo-Wei Chang stated that with Taiwan's population of 23 million, there is little demand for a third national airline if solely catering to the domestic market. However, he emphasized that Taiwan's strategic geographic location in the Asia-Pacific region makes it a crucial hub, noting that its potential in the transit market has been significantly undervalued for years.

Taiwan's homegrown Beyond 5G (B5G) low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite program is facing setbacks, with communication payload performance falling short of expectations and project timelines delayed. Criticism has mounted, with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) at the center of the controversy.

A list of "Accredited Suppliers" for semiconductor design, wafer foundry, packaging, and testing, among other services, was recently published by the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DEMA) of the US Department of Defense (DoD). By supplying to the recognized supply chain, which includes key firms such as GlobalFoundries, IBM, SkyWater Technology, and Northrop Grumman, Taiwan-based firms are attempting to secure indirect orders.

In a significant move to strengthen defense ties, a US drone and counter-drone delegation recently visited Taipei, exploring supply chain collaboration with Taiwan's burgeoning unmanned aerial systems (UAS) sector. Simultaneously, Taiwan launched the "Taiwan Excellence UAS Global Business Alliance," bringing together 50 companies to expand its drone industry's international footprint.

The defense sector has long been a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, and now, according to Dr. Shr-Yi Chin, an expert in sustainability and carbon management, it's time for the industry to face the challenge head-on. Speaking on the topic of sustainability, he emphasized the urgent need for the defense industry to take serious action toward reducing its carbon footprint, which is responsible for a significant portion of many nations' overall emissions.

Multiple pager and walkie-talkie explosions in Lebanon have heightened tensions across the Middle East, fueling a surge in global military expenditures. As conflicts flare up in various regions, defense tech manufacturers like Transcom Technology are witnessing rising demand. The power amplifier (PA) producer, which specializes in defense-related applications, reports an uptick in government defense contracts and increasing international shipments.

The rise of new warfare dynamics is accelerating a global arms race, fostering the emergence of a new generation of military-industrial chains.

Many Taiwan-based industrial computer (IPC) manufacturers, including Advantech, Aaeon Technology, Adlink Technology, Axiomtek, Winmate, and Sintrones, are expanding into the growing markets for unmanned vehicles, which are increasingly used across various industries, according to industry sources.

Taiwan is actively positioning itself as a democratic drone supply hub in Asia, with the first dedicated drone exhibit scheduled for mid-October as part of the Taiwan International AIoT Show, which will be expanded into its own independent exhibition in the future. Furthermore, Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has recently announced a drone industry alliance aimed at expanding international collaboration.

As Taiwan's drone industry garners increasing attention, the country is set to host its first dedicated drone exhibit at the "AIoT Taiwan" event. Industry insiders report that 24 companies, including key players like Thunder Tiger and Coretronic Corporation, will participate.

China's answer to Starlink, the G60 satellites, has launched its first 18 satellites into low-Earth orbit, but it faces an uphill battle to meet its 2030 target of deploying a 13,904-satellite network.