Taiwan's military has awarded a contract to Tron Future Tech for 26 anti-drone systems, marking a significant step in the island's efforts to counter unmanned aerial threats amid rising regional tensions.
The systems are slated for deployment on Taiwan's outlying islands. This contract represents one of the first major defense deals secured by a private-sector startup in Taiwan's emerging drone defense industry.
Tron Future's anti-drone platform combines Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar technology with RF detection capabilities, offering drone detection ranges of up to 6 kilometers. The system is said to be capable of countering frequency-hopping drones as well as swarms.
The startup aligns with Taiwan's broader military modernization, including two national programs for drone and counter-drone development. In mid-2024, the company raised NT$900 million (US$28.4 million) in Series A funding, led by government-backed Taiwania Capital.
The systems have already been deployed at critical infrastructure sites, including the Hsinchu Science Park. Meanwhile, Tron Future has been working on lighter, modular anti-drone systems suitable for mobile applications. A hard-kill solution featuring interceptor drones is also in development.
Taiwan's focus on anti-drone systems comes as drone warfare gains prominence globally, especially after their extensive use in recent conflicts. Chinese military drones have increasingly been spotted near Taiwan's territory, prompting calls for enhanced defenses.
While Tron Future reports international interest, it faces competition from larger, more established defense contractors with proven records in military procurement. Defense officials and industry analysts will closely monitor the company's ability to deliver on contracts while upholding quality standards.