Taiwan Defense & Industry: NCSIST disclosed technical specs for the Chiang Kung (Tien Chien IV) missile, aimed at the T-Dome high-altitude interceptor layer, as Taiwan weighs funding after a legislative budget deadlock. Undersea Autonomy: Taiwan signed an MoU with Rhode Island startup Vatn Systems to explore AI-enabled command-and-control and local support for modular underwater vehicles, signaling a push for scalable, attritable maritime defense. Space Tech: TASA launched Maraho, Taiwan’s first independently developed sounding rocket under its orbital launch vehicle program, completing end-to-end communication checks (with recovery limited by sea conditions). Cross-Strait Manufacturing: At Automation Taipei, business groups argued deeper cross-strait supply-chain ties can boost smart manufacturing demand, with robotics and components already being integrated into mainland-linked orders. Offshore Wind: Orsted revealed early-stage plans for the Dadu II offshore wind project off Changhua, adding another potential gigawatt-scale option to Taiwan’s power mix. AI Dividend: Taiwan’s planned 2027 budget includes a cash “AI dividend” for every citizen, tying semiconductor-led growth to broader consumer distribution. Industrial Safety: A Tainan midnight explosion injured at least 14 people and damaged nearby homes, with authorities investigating stored industrial materials.