Taichung studies Japan drone model for industry growth

台中研究日本無人機模組以促進產業成長

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung City Government is studying Japan’s drone industry practices as it works to expand regulation, testing, and applications.

Taichung’s Economic Development Bureau sent a delegation led by Director Chang Feng-yuan (張峯源) to Japan Drone 2026 on Thursday to examine drone rules, flight management, and logistics applications. The group also met with government agencies and industry bodies to study testing and certification systems, per the Taichung City Government.

The bureau said Fukushima has built a world-class drone testing base that supports takeoff, landing, and transport trials for small unmanned aerial vehicles and large electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft geared toward disaster response and mountain rescue. Fukushima also offers training, tax incentives, R&D subsidies, and shared facilities, per the Economic Daily News.

The bureau cited Oita Prefecture as a model for business matchmaking, technical exchange, market expansion, exhibitions, and talent training. Oita also funds and runs institutions such as Ds-Labo for testing, while deploying drones in disaster prevention, mountain patrols, river monitoring, agriculture, and delivery to remote or offshore areas, per CNA.

Japan’s largest drone industry promoter, the Japan UAS Industrial Development Association, assisted the government in drafting flight regulations and standards. It also shared its experience in helping Bhutan establish a drone flight framework, per CNA.

Chang said multiple Taichung departments already use drones in rescue and police work. The city plans to adapt Japan’s practices and expand drone use into agriculture, surveying, disaster prevention, environmental monitoring, and facility inspection, per the Taichung City Government.