AeroVironment, Inc., a global defense technology leader, has announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ubiqconn Technology Inc., a Taiwan-based rugged controller and industrial computing solutions provider, to advance collaboration on uncrewed systems and mission management capabilities in support of Taiwan’s defense modernization and indigenous unmanned aircraft systems initiatives.
The MoU establishes the shared intent of AV and Ubiqconn to collaborate on the development and integration of a common controller capability based on AV’s Tomahawk Common Control Ecosystem to support Taiwan Ministry of National Defense (MND) requirements, including its indigenous UAS program targeting the procurement of tens of thousands of domestically produced drones.
Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer at AV, stated:
“Today’s signing is about building a bridge to a deeper, more strategic partnership with Taiwan. By combining AV’s battle-proven mission software with Ubiqconn’s advanced rugged controller technology and Taiwan’s growing industrial base, we’re laying the groundwork for integrated, networked uncrewed solutions tailored to Taiwan’s defense and security needs.”
As part of the collaboration, AV will install and configure its Kinesis mission management software, part of the company’s AV_Halo COMMAND command-and-control (C2) software suite, onto Ubiqconn’s rugged controller platform, enabling operators in Taiwan to control multiple types of uncrewed aircraft systems, from various original equipment manufacturers, through a common, scalable interface.
AV will provide a fully integrated common controller system with access to Kinesis software and its KxM module, along with training and technical support to enable Ubiqconn to conduct demonstrations and facilitate future ad-hoc integration activities.
Paul Hsieh, CEO of Ubiqconn, added:
“Taiwan’s defense and homeland security modernization requires a new standard of interoperability, and this collaboration with AV is a meaningful step toward achieving it. By integrating Kinesis software onto our rugged controller platforms, Ubiqconn is proud to serve as the hardware backbone of a common controller ecosystem that will support Taiwan’s indigenous defense capabilities and strengthen our nation’s resilience and sustainability.”
Under the MoU, Ubiqconn will provide physical UAS controller hardware to support Kinesis integration, configuration, and functional testing, and will share technical input on UAS platforms most commonly operated within Taiwan’s defense and security community to inform controller compatibility priorities. Ubiqconn will lead in-market demonstrations and outreach to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense and other government stakeholders to help shape emerging common controller requirements and will engage domestic drone Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to expand the Kinesis compatibility database to include locally produced UAS.
Justin McFarlin, Vice President of International Business Development for AV, concluded:
“In light of the Ministry of National Defense’s intent to procure tens of thousands of indigenous drones, a common controller ecosystem is essential to reduce training burden, simplify sustainment, and ensure that Taiwan’s growing drone fleet remains interoperable and combat-ready across all services. At the same time, this collaboration expands AV’s ability to deliver scalable, interoperable solutions that are specifically tailored to Taiwan’s defense needs and produced in partnership with its industrial base.”
