On Drone Industry Development, Ko Chih-en: Supporting Commercial and Civil Applications is Key

(CNA reporter Tsai Meng-yu, Kaohsiung, July 13) Ko Chih-en, legislative member and Kuomintang (KMT) mayoral candidate for Kaohsiung, stated today that procuring military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is a necessary defense investment, but cultivating commercial markets and civilian applications is the real key. She pledged to make Kaohsiung a vital base for drone software development and smart city applications in Taiwan.

Ko recently visited Zang-Shi Technology, where she listened to team presentations and personally experienced a drone simulation system. Zang-Shi Technology focuses on autonomous flight control, ground mission guidance, AI-powered multi-drone coordination, and simulation training. The company has also introduced applications in land surveying, disaster response, firefighting, and simulation training into public governance.

Ko stated that Kaohsiung is the ideal testbed for drone applications and smart governance, but many potential flight zones are currently designated as red-zone no-fly areas due to regulatory restrictions. If elected to lead the city, she promised to establish a dedicated sandbox zone for drone development and application.

Ko emphasized that the true competitiveness of the drone industry lies not only in complete drone manufacturing but also in flight control systems, spatial information, AI integration, and practical application capabilities. In the future, Kaohsiung should connect academia and industry, integrate software and hardware, and build a complete drone industrial chain to become a hub for talent cultivation, technology validation, and real-world demonstration.

The KMT caucus has proposed the 'Autonomous National Defense Unmanned Vehicle Technology Development and Procurement Act,' soon to be reviewed in the Legislative Yuan. Ko stated she advocates that special budget allocations for unmanned vehicles should be integrated into the annual government budget. While military drone procurement is a necessary defense investment, supporting commercial markets and civilian applications remains the key.

Ko stressed that establishing a comprehensive ecosystem is essential to building the next 'protective mountain range' for national resilience. The government should boldly open up test zones and relax regulations, allowing more opportunities for drone testing and application under balanced considerations of flight safety, data security, and national security, while cultivating more professionals to join the industry.

She stated that future Kaohsiung will not only manufacture drones but also enhance systems for disaster prevention, firefighting, water management, industrial safety, and urban governance. She pledged to support outstanding teams in thriving and position Kaohsiung as a key base for drone software R&D and smart city applications in Taiwan. (Edited by Huang Ming-hsi) 1150713