TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Coast Guard Administration is looking for a second generation of drones to meet challenges at sea, reports said Saturday.

The procurement would enable the Coast Guard to intensify the fight against smuggling and human trafficking while improving rescue operations, per CNA. The Coast Guard took delivery of the first generation of 20 unmanned aerial vehicles in 2018 to strengthen the collection of information.

The drones were stationed on all sides of Taiwan, as well as on Coast Guard ships to help with rescue operations and actions against smuggling. They also took part in maritime security training missions and special surveillance operations.

Taiwan has been dealing with increased levels of activity by Chinese vessels, including People’s Liberation Army Navy maneuvers, and illegal fishing and sand dredging by civilian Chinese ships. Overseas-registered ships with connections to China are suspected of damaging undersea communication cables linking Taiwan with outlying islands.

The Coast Guard Administration said it was conducting training courses for drone operators. The drones currently in use are faced with a shortage of landing and takeoff spaces, and short flying durations of 50 minutes or less.

The second generation of drones is expected to stay in the air for two hours, and to operate on a mix of fuel and electricity, the administration said. If necessary, the Coast Guard could also assist the Ministry of National Defense on missions affecting national security.