Taipei: Raymond Greene, the U.S. representative to Taiwan, emphasized Washington's dedication to expanding Taiwan's domestic defense industrial base during a seminar hosted by the Institute for National Defense and Security Research. Greene highlighted the installation of a new medium-caliber ammunition test range in Taiwan as a pivotal step in this direction.According to Focus Taiwan, the ammunition test facility, established by Northrop Grumman, allows Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) to test ammunition to global industry standards. This initiative is intended to advance indigenous development projects through technology transfer, proprietary procedures, and expert training.Northrop Grumman has been strengthening its partnerships with Taiwan. Last September, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with Taiwan's National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology to explore collaboration on air and missile defense modernization for the MND. Additionally, it has formed a consortium with local firms to deliver the AN/TPS-78 Advanced Capabilities Radar to Taiwan.Greene also stressed the importance of secure drone supply chains. Anduril, a U.S. defense technology company, sources Taiwanese components for its Ghost-X unmanned aerial system. Meanwhile, Shield AI has made significant investments in local components while collaborating with Aerospace Industrial Development Corp., Taiwan's leading defense contractor.Greene, who serves as the director of the American Institute in Taiwan, pointed out that Taiwan is integral in advancing defense technology. By merging U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence research with Taiwan's manufacturing strengths, the two parties aim to develop applications for drones, command-and-control systems, and air defense, thereby bolstering deterrence."The objective of all of these efforts is to establish conditions for dialogue free from coercion," Greene stated, reiterating the United States' stance on the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait differences.