The Taiwan Aerospace and Defense Technology Expo (TADTE) opened in Taipei on Thursday, the first time the expo has been held in four years. That’s according to Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) Chairman James C. F. Huang (黃志芳), speaking at the opening ceremony. TAITRA is the host of the event, which is taking place at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center from September 14 to 16.
Huang says that demand for drones and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites has increased due to the pandemic and changes in geopolitics. Huang says the exhibition demonstrates the strength of Taiwan’s aerospace and defense industries. He estimates that business opportunities created through the event will lead to at least 30% growth in Taiwan’s local industry.
The expo brings together almost 300 Taiwanese and foreign companies, research institutions, and government entities across 10 countries including the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany. Taiwan’s leading aerospace company Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) will be among the expo’s 1000 vendor booths.
Huang says that Taiwan has 46 companies that produce parts for LEO satellites, which make up 70% of the US$280 billion global space industry. He adds that Taiwan’s LEO satellites and drone businesses will take advantage of the exhibition to showcase their capacity to connect with the international community.