S.Amdt. 5865

The amendment, titled the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026, aims to add a new subtitle to the bill focused on strengthening drone (UAS) supply chains and defenses for Taiwan while reducing reliance on the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Key goals of the amendment include:

• Establishing a Blue UAS Working Group: This group, consisting of government, industry, and academic experts, will assess Taiwan's drone production capacity, identify barriers to including Taiwanese components in Blue UAS programs, and evaluate public-private partnerships for co-developing drone systems.

• Creating a Fast-Track Certification Process: The amendment directs the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense to create an expedited process for Taiwanese drone companies to get Blue UAS certification, including streamlined export control reviews and reciprocal testing arrangements.

• Developing a Cooperative Framework: The amendment seeks to build a framework with Taiwan and other global partners and regional allies to promote secure, PRC-independent drone supply chains.

• Leveraging Military Infrastructure: It explores using the Army Organic Industrial Base, such as depots and arsenals, to support the testing, production, and maintenance of these drone systems.