A SeaShark 800 sea drone, developed by Thunder Tiger, img from: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/taking-lessons-from-ukraine-taiwan-eyes-sea-drones-to-counter-china
Taiwan Enhances Maritime Security with Sea Drones Inspired by Ukraine's Naval Strategy
Taipei, June 13, 2025 — Taiwan has initiated the deployment of sea drones in the Taiwan Strait, advancing its asymmetric defense strategy in response to escalating maritime tensions with China. Drawing lessons from Ukraine’s effective use of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) during its conflict with Russia, Taiwan’s military is investing heavily in low-cost, high-impact maritime technologies.
The initiative, part of Taiwan’s “Swift and Sudden” defense program, is led by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST). The project focuses on developing explosive-laden uncrewed boats capable of striking enemy vessels at a distance. According to government officials, the program currently receives an annual budget of approximately NT$800 million (about US$27 million).
Among the notable USVs developed is the SeaShark 800, built by Taiwanese defense contractor Thunder Tiger. This model can carry up to 1,200 kilograms of explosives and has a range of approximately 500 kilometers. Another key development is the Endeavor Manta, a trimaran-style drone vessel developed by CSBC Corporation. Measuring 8.6 meters in length, the Endeavor Manta is capable of speeds up to 35 knots and can carry payloads exceeding one ton. Its multi-role capabilities include surveillance, torpedo delivery, mine countermeasures, and kamikaze-style impact missions.
Both systems feature remote control via satellite, 4G, and line-of-sight communication. Up to 50 drones can be controlled simultaneously from a single command station. Equipped with AI-enabled navigation and obstacle avoidance, these drones significantly reduce operational risk and enhance Taiwan’s maritime deterrence.
Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo emphasized that the goal of this deployment is not just to confront superior forces but to generate uncertainty and disrupt potential adversaries' confidence. By making the maritime environment unpredictable, Taiwan hopes to dissuade hostile naval operations.
This sea drone strategy is part of Taiwan’s broader “porcupine doctrine,” which prioritizes resilient and scalable defense systems designed to repel or frustrate a larger invading force. The porcupine approach has gained support from U.S. defense officials and has featured prominently in joint U.S.-Taiwan strategic dialogues.
A defense exposition scheduled near Wushi Port later this year will showcase these developments, with participation from domestic and international firms including Thunder Tiger, CSBC, Lungteh Shipbuilding, and U.S.-based Huntington Ingalls. Industry leaders expect sea drones to play an increasingly central role in Taiwan’s defense procurement strategy.
With tensions across the Taiwan Strait continuing to rise, this new emphasis on uncrewed, AI-enabled maritime systems signals a shift in the island’s defense posture—focusing on agility, innovation, and strategic deterrence.
