TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan plans to buy 25 unmanned surface vessels and two underwater drones to counter China’s operations in its waters, Nikkei Asia reported Wednesday.
National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology will develop the drones with US defense technology company Maritime Tactical Systems. They plan to produce at least one prototype for testing in the first half of 2027.
An official familiar with the project said it remains at an early stage.
China has increased patrols near Taiwan’s outlying islands and in waters east of Taiwan. The operations have raised concerns that Beijing could try to disrupt trade and shipping without launching a full-scale attack.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has made stronger maritime security a major government priority. His defense policy supports smaller, mobile, and lower-cost systems that could counter China’s much larger military.
Defense officials have also studied Ukraine’s use of sea drones against Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Unmanned maritime vehicles can carry out surveillance, reconnaissance, and other dangerous missions without putting crews at direct risk.
The Ocean Affairs Council, which oversees the Coast Guard, is leading the maritime security upgrades. Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) said Taiwan plans to invest up to NT$64 billion (US$2 billion) in early warning and surveillance systems.
Kuan said recent conflicts have shown the importance of protecting the Taiwan Strait and nearby waters. She said the nation seeks peace but must be prepared to stop hostile forces from threatening its security.
State-owned shipbuilder CSBC Corp. is separately calling for greater investment in underwater drones and submarines. The company has launched the Endeavor Manta, Taiwan’s first military sea drone, and said it could produce up to 40 vessels a year.
Former National Security Council official Enoch Wu (吳怡農) said Taiwan needs hundreds of sea drones rather than dozens. He said China’s recent actions show the threat has moved beyond military exercises and planning scenarios.
Wu cited an incident near Kinmen in which the China coast guard stopped, boarded, and inspected a Taiwanese passenger ferry. He said similar efforts to assert Chinese control have since spread to waters east of Taiwan.
Wu called for greater funding for the Coast Guard and modern unmanned systems. He said such equipment would provide a practical response to China’s growing maritime pressure.
