Poland Emerges As Top Buyer Of Taiwanese Drones Amid Europe’s Chinese Tech Exodus

Journalists capture images of suicide drones on display at Taiwan’s 2023 Taipei Aerospace and Defence Technology Exhibition, as recent tender documents indicate the nation is expanding its military drone capabilities. Photo credit: EPA-EFE

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Poland has become Taiwan’s largest drone customer, capturing nearly 60% of the island nation’s drone exports as European countries rapidly pivot away from Chinese defense technology in response to growing security concerns. Taiwan’s drone exports have skyrocketed to approximately $32 million through August 2024—up from virtually zero in previous years—with Poland driving the surge, according to a September 25 Bloomberg report. This dramatic shift positions Poland as Europe’s gateway for non-Chinese drone technology as defense contractors worldwide seek alternatives to Chinese supply chains. The United States ranks second in Taiwanese drone imports at around $7 million over the same period, highlighting Europe’s aggressive push to diversify its defense technology sources.

Manufacturing Expansion Follows Market Demand

The surge in Polish demand has prompted Taiwanese manufacturer Ahamani to announce plans for establishing a production facility in Poland. The move signals confidence in sustained European market growth and addresses supply chain concerns that have plagued the industry.

“In my view, Europe is a very important market in the drone industry. And Poland is a key gateway and base for us,” Ahamani CEO Kung Tzu-chi told Bloomberg. “With drone companies around the world looking for non-Chinese supply chains, motors and batteries are in short supply.”

The supply chain diversification extends beyond Poland, with Ahamani revealing that international firms, including a major South Korean drone producer, have expressed interest in sourcing non-Chinese motors and components.

Polish Defense Sector Sees Explosive Growth

Poland’s domestic drone industry has experienced unprecedented expansion alongside the Taiwanese imports. WB Electronics, the country’s largest drone producer, reported revenues of nearly $829 million in 2024—more than doubling from the previous year and representing an eight-fold increase from approximately $95 million in 2021, before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The company, which already operates a Ukrainian production facility and supplies equipment to Ukrainian forces, has proposed a joint production agreement with Ahamani, according to Kung.

Strategic Security Considerations Drive Policy

Polish defense officials view the partnership with Taiwan as crucial for national security preparedness.

“For Poland, closer cooperation with Taiwan is very good news,” said Justyna Siekierczak, board member at the Polish Chamber of Unmanned Systems. “In the event of any destabilization in our country or growing hybrid threats, we in Poland must be prepared to increase our production capacity.”

The shift reflects broader European concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by the Ukraine conflict and heightened tensions with China over Taiwan.

DroneXL’s Take

This dramatic pivot from Chinese to Taiwanese drone technology represents more than just a supplier switch—it’s reshaping global defense manufacturing geography. Poland’s emergence as Europe’s drone hub could establish new industry standards for supply chain resilience and security clearance requirements. The numbers tell a compelling story: Taiwan’s drone exports growing from zero to $32 million in just a few years suggests this trend has staying power beyond immediate geopolitical tensions. For drone professionals, this shift opens new partnership opportunities while potentially driving innovation as manufacturers compete in security-conscious markets. What does this mean for pricing, availability, and technology development in the broader commercial drone sector? Will we see similar supply chain diversification in civilian markets?

What’s your take on Europe’s drone supply chain shift? Share your thoughts in the comments below.