German Arms Firms Expand Taiwan Presence at TADTE 2025

German defense companies, including Helsing, Hensoldt, and Rheinmetall, showcased their products at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE) in September 2025. The firms occupied a joint stand in Hall 1 of the Nangang Exhibition Center, while Airbus had its own booth promoting the Flexrotor unmanned vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, helicopters, and communication technology. TÜV Rheinland also attended, signing a cooperation agreement with Taiwanese partners. A new strategy paper advocates for deeper cooperation with Taiwan, but critics argue it overlooks the geopolitical risks of antagonizing China. Taiwan, an island roughly the size of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg combined, has become an attractive market for German arms manufacturers.