Europe Increases Defense Support at Taiwan Aerospace Exhibition Amid China Tensions

Taiwan's 2025 Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition highlighted the island's focus on defense self-sufficiency and asymmetric warfare, showcasing historic indigenous platforms like the Hai Kun submarine and extensive unmanned systems across air, sea, and land domains. Taiwan is aggressively investing in domestic defense capabilities to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers amidst escalating regional tensions. Meanwhile, Europe is stepping into the spotlight at Taiwan's largest defense show, marking a strategic shift as some European countries, particularly from central and eastern Europe, increase defense cooperation and support for Taiwan due to rising concerns over China's aggressive posture and inspired by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Notable developments include the German Trade Office's first participation, Airbus’s debut of tactical drones, and diplomatic engagements between Taiwan's Defense Minister and European officials, signaling a growing willingness to engage despite previous hesitations due to fears of Chinese retaliation. The United States remains a primary arms supplier, but Europe's emerging role reflects a broader international response to Taiwan's security challenges. This evolving defense landscape underscores Taiwan's strategic partnerships with democratic allies while emphasizing its indigenous technological advancements to bolster resilience.