AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in all-domain defense technologies, announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), a leading research and development institution under Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, to collaborate on autonomous systems and technology to support Taiwan’s defense and security needs.
Signed during this week’s Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE) 2025, the agreement establishes a framework for AV and NCSIST to jointly pursue opportunities to strengthen the lifecycle and sustainability of Taiwan’s unmanned and precision strike systems. Initially focused on AV’s JUMP® 20 and JUMP® 20-X vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing platforms, AV will provide technical expertise, training, and proven sustainment processes to help NCSIST build infrastructure that enhances readiness and resilience on the island. Future efforts will include co-development of unmanned systems and collaboration around autonomy software.
The JUMP 20 system delivers advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and unmatched adaptability to support a wide range of evolving mission demands. It has emerged as the global Group 3 platform of choice, with recently awarded contracts across Europe, including Denmark, Italy, and multiple other NATO allies.
“This partnership underscores AV’s long-term commitment to supporting the defense needs of Taiwan and our allies in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Justin McFarlin, Vice President of International Business Development for AV. “By combining the combat-proven effectiveness of AV systems with NCSIST’s advanced research and development capabilities, we are ensuring Taiwan can produce and sustain mission-critical systems, strengthen deterrence, and respond quickly to evolving threats.”
The MOU is part of an industrial participation or “offset” agreement tied to recent acquisitions and investments by the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense in AV’s uncrewed technology. In July 2024, AV announced U.S. State Department approval for a $60.2 million foreign military sale of the company’s Switchblade® 300 loitering munition systems to Taiwan. Last month, the Taiwanese government announced an expansive new procurement initiative for up to 100,000 UAS in order to defend its homeland and critical infrastructure.
“Taiwan has clearly signaled a demand to strengthen its domestic defense ecosystem and a desire to expand its self-reliance in defense production and lifecycle management,” said Brian Anderson, AV’s Director of International Business Development for Asia Pacific. “Through strong partnerships with our allies and partners–like NCSIST, AV is delivering mission-critical technologies and ensuring that systems already fielded around the globe remain ready and effective.”
