The Taipei Aerospace and Defence Technology Exhibition 2025 has underscored a significant shift in European engagement with Taiwan’s defence sector, as the island seeks to diversify its military partnerships amid rising tensions with China. While the United States remains Taiwan’s primary arms supplier, Europe’s growing presence at the exhibition signals a willingness to deepen defence cooperation, despite historical reluctance due to Beijing’s territorial claims.
Germany’s debut at the exhibition, through the German Trade Office Taipei, marked a notable step forward. The pavilion showcased Germany’s aerospace and security innovations, reflecting a broader European strategy to strengthen ties with Taipei. “We are presenting Germany’s innovative achievements and industrial strength in the fields of aerospace and security,” the office stated, highlighting the country’s commitment to advancing defence technology collaboration.
Airbus, another first-time exhibitor, displayed its Flexrotor tactical vertical take-off and landing drone, designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The drone, adorned with a sticker reading “I heart Taiwan,” symbolised Airbus’s broader interest in promoting non-commercial applications, including emergency services and secure communications. “These include helicopter applications for supporting search and rescue missions, emergency services and law enforcement, as well as secure communications services,” an Airbus spokesperson said.
The Czech Republic also made its presence felt, with Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo visiting the Czech pavilion. Pavel Fischer, Chairman of the Czech Senate’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security Committee, emphasised the growing partnership: “Today in Taiwan we have many partners to work with. We know the complexity of Taiwan in the international arena, because of the active measures by the Communist Party of China.”
This shift in European engagement is part of a broader geopolitical realignment, particularly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The conflict has heightened awareness of the need for robust defence cooperation, with Taiwan finding increasing support in Central and Eastern Europe. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s recent visits to Prague, Rome, and Vienna further illustrate this trend, as European nations cautiously but steadily expand their interactions with Taipei.
Despite this progress, Europe’s defence relationship with Taiwan remains cautious. The United States still dominates the exhibition, with companies like Lockheed Martin showcasing major systems such as the F-16 fighter, a cornerstone of Taiwan’s air force. Europe has not supplied Taipei with large-scale military equipment since the 1990s, when France sold Taiwan frigates and Mirage jets. However, Britain’s involvement in Taiwan’s indigenous submarine programme indicates a gradual thaw in European attitudes.
“The world has changed because of Ukraine,” said an executive at a Taiwanese military-use drone manufacturer, speaking anonymously for security reasons. This sentiment reflects a broader recognition that the geopolitical landscape is evolving, and Europe’s role in Taiwan’s defence strategy is becoming more pronounced.
As Europe continues to navigate its relationship with China, its growing engagement with Taiwan’s defence sector could reshape the regional security dynamic. The Taipei Aerospace and Defence Technology Exhibition 2025 has provided a platform for this evolution, setting the stage for deeper collaboration and innovation in the years ahead.