S. 3163: To require the Secretary of Defense to seek to engage appropriate officials of Taiwan in a joint program with Taiwan to enable the fielding of uncrewed systems and counter-uncrewed systems capabilities.

This bill proposes that the Secretary of Defense work with officials from Taiwan to establish a joint program focused on developing and deploying uncrewed systems (which include drones or automated technologies) and counter-uncrewed systems capabilities. The goal is to enhance military cooperation between the United States and Taiwan under the framework of the Taiwan Relations Act. Below are key components of the bill:

Joint Program Initiation

The Secretary of Defense is required to engage with Taiwanese officials to initiate this joint program by March 1, 2026. The collaboration will cover:

• Co-development of uncrewed systems for use by both the U.S. and Taiwanese Armed Forces.
• Co-production of these systems to support military readiness and capabilities.

Use of Authorities

To facilitate this joint program, the Secretary of Defense can utilize existing legal authorities under U.S. law to ensure the program is implemented effectively.

Reporting Requirements

The Secretary of Defense must provide reports on the joint program to Congress. These reports have specific requirements:

• The first report is due 180 days after the bill is enacted and must be submitted annually through 2029.
• Each report must include:
• A summary of engagements with Taiwan.
• A description of activities to enable the uncrewed systems capabilities.
• Progress updates on foundational defense agreements between the U.S. and Taiwan.
• An outline of any additional resources or authorities needed to support the development of these capabilities.
• Any other relevant information deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Defense.

Definition of Appropriate Committees of Congress

The bill defines the “appropriate committees of Congress” that will receive the reports. These include:

• Senate Committees: Armed Services, Appropriations, and Foreign Relations.
• House of Representatives Committees: Armed Services, Appropriations, and Foreign Affairs.

Overall Impact

The passage of this bill is aimed at strengthening the military relationship between the United States and Taiwan through technological collaboration, enhancing defense capabilities in response to evolving military challenges.

Relevant Companies

• BA (Boeing Company) - As an aerospace and defense company, Boeing could be involved in the co-development and provision of uncrewed systems and supporting technologies.
• RTX (Raytheon Technologies Corporation) - This company specializes in advanced defense systems and may play a role in the co-production aspects of weapon systems and technologies.
• NOC (Northrop Grumman Corporation) - As a leader in uncrewed systems, Northrop Grumman may participate in initiatives to develop and deploy the technologies mentioned in the bill.