TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Navy Command announced it is accepting public bids for four types of equipment, including attack unmanned surface vehicles.

The command specified that the platform must have an operational range beyond 44 kilometers and be able to share battlefield information, support swarm tactics, and resist electronic interference, per Liberty Times. The Navy said it aims to establish a common operational picture and enhance decision-making efficiency.

Although the exact quantity and other details have not been finalized, the total could exceed 1,500 vessels, Liberty Times said. Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration may also be included in the order. 

The Ocean Affairs Council National Ocean Policy White Paper outlined plans to enhance the use of unmanned vehicles and included a photo of the Kuai-Chi USV, developed by the National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology. The Coast Guard would utilize USVs for maritime patrols, ocean research, and other missions.

NCSIST is producing 1,320 Kuai Chi USVs for the Navy’s Coastal Combat Command, the Marine Corps, and the Army’s Special Forces Command over the next five years.

The Kuai Chi carries Ching Feng loitering munitions and first-person-view kamikaze drones. During missions, the drones first launch from the USV to suppress and disrupt enemy close-in defenses, after which loitering munitions are deployed.

Command and control are relayed through an Albatross II unmanned aerial vehicle.