Europe has stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight at Taiwan’s largest defence fair, sending a message of increased cooperation as pressure from Beijing grows.

At the Taipei Aerospace & Defence Technology Exhibition (TADTE 2025), German, Czech, and other European participants displayed advanced security and aerospace technologies in a way not seen for decades.

Germany made its debut via its trade office in Taipei, presenting innovations in aerospace and security.

Airbus showcased a tactical flexrotor drone capable of fourteen-hour surveillance missions, and satellite, secure-communication, and emergency-response technologies were also on show.

The theme was clear: Europe is easing its caution.

In Central and Eastern Europe, voices are increasingly vocal in support of Taiwan.

Czech Senate Foreign Affairs chairman Pavel Fischer emphasized the geopolitical stakes posed by China’s assertiveness.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s visits to Prague, Rome, and Vienna further underscore the growing diplomatic momentum behind Taipei’s case.

Traditional arms suppliers like the United States remain dominant—Lockheed Martin and U.S. firms continue to hold major influence.

But the gap is narrowing.

One notable example: Britain is assisting Taiwan in building its first indigenous submarines.

Taiwan’s show of force extends beyond hardware.

The exhibition’s growth—both in European presence and the diversity of technologies—reflects a broader shift in Europe’s posture toward Taipei.

The tension between trade, diplomacy, and defence is being recalibrated in plain view of China’s watchful eyes.