German drone manufacturers are seeking closer cooperation with companies from Taiwan in light of experiences from Russia’s war against Ukraine, according to Linda Blechert, managing director of the service unit of the German Trade Office Taipei.
Blechert said that Taiwan was a major exporter of drones for the European market.
She said that in the first quarter of this year, exports reached $115.85 million, exceeding the total for all of 2025.
According to Blechert, at least 12 German drone companies plan to visit Taiwan in early May to explore opportunities for cooperation.
The issue of supply chains outside China is becoming increasingly important, she said.
Germany has traditionally been strong in conventional defence industries, such as tank manufacturing, Blechert explained. However, with the rise of drone warfare, it has become apparent that Germany may be somewhat lagging behind. This was particularly the case in light of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“We are therefore definitely open to learning from Taiwan here,” she said
Looking at overall trade relations, the group noted that Taiwan’s exports to Germany saw especially strong growth in the first quarter, reaching $2.12 billion, an increase of 28.3% compared to the same period last year.
Total trade volume rose by 5.8% to $5.2 billion.