Taiwan entrusts USVs with task of deterring a PLA amphibious invasion
This is the Kuai-Chi unmanned surface vessel developed by NCSIST. It is a prime candidate to be mass produced. (Photo: Taiwan MND)
Drawing lessons from Ukraine’s Black Sea experience, Taiwan is investing heavily in unmanned surface vessels to strengthen its asymmetric defence strategy against potential PLA amphibious assaults.
Cognisant of Ukraine’s combat experience in the Black Sea during the ongoing war with Russia, Taiwan is feverishly working to develop and field new types of unmanned surface vessels (USV). It hopes that such unmanned systems, as part of a wider asymmetric-warfare approach, will help deter any People’s Liberation Army (PLA) invasion of Taiwan.
Tin Pak, at Taiwan’s National Defense University, commented in a report for the US-based Center for Maritime Strategy: “Taiwan has been closely monitoring developments in the Black Sea. Recognising the criticality of unmanned warfare in any future conflict, Taiwan has invested large sums in expanding its
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK DIP: Royal Navy bets on defence technology over bigger fleets]()
UK DIP: Royal Navy bets on defence technology over bigger fleets
The Royal Navy’s transition towards a hybrid fleet could prove to be less about building more hulls and more about delivering the autonomous technologies, AI and digital integration that will support future maritime operations.
-
![US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies]()
US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies
The programme’s structure as a marketplace will allow multiple companies to compete for ongoing procurements; an approach which could be replicated across the Atlantic.
-
![UK Defence Investment Plan: What does it mean for the country’s naval forces?]()
UK Defence Investment Plan: What does it mean for the country’s naval forces?
Investment in nuclear submarines, autonomous systems and stronger defensive capabilities for existing vessels show a clear strategic shift in Royal Navy priorities.
-
![UK Royal Navy shifts focus from warships to system-led warfare]()
UK Royal Navy shifts focus from warships to system-led warfare
With a revised Defence Investment Plan on the way ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit on 7-8 July, the UK government has begun to reveal more details of how its future naval fleet could look.
