Taipei, Aug. 3 (CNA) Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) has called on the Legislature to support the Executive Yuan's version of a special act on unmanned systems procurement, which would authorize up to NT$210 billion (US$6.49 billion) in funding over six years. Koo made the comment in a media interview on Friday after the Cabinet submitted a bill to fund the procurement of domestically developed reconnaissance and attack drones, unmanned surface vessels and other unmanned systems. In actuality, the Cabinet's version covers the full range of unmanned systems, including those operating in the air, on the surface, on land and underwater, as well as testing facilities and programs supporting the development of the unmanned systems industry, Koo explained. Currently, more mature counter-drone options include systems such as 30mm chain guns, Koo said, while high-powered microwave and laser weapons remain in the research-and-development stage worldwide. He said Taiwan's broader air defense system remains a work in progress and will adopt a layered defense concept, though he did not disclose further details.