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NEW YORK Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Asia

Taiwan invests heavily in sea drones amid rising tensions with China

Taiwan's government is pouring billions into uncrewed vehicles to bolster its defenses.

New York Editorial News Desk November 2, 2026 1 min read

The Brief

  • Taiwan plans to acquire over 1,400 coastal surveillance drones and 200,000 attack drones.
  • A NT$240 billion drone defense bill was recently passed by Taiwan's Parliament.
  • Companies from the US and Singapore are showcasing sea drones at a Tainan event.

In Tainan, Taiwan, companies from around the world are competing for government contracts to supply uncrewed sea drones. These vehicles are part of a broader push to modernize Taiwan’s military capabilities in response to growing pressure from China.

Taiwan’s military has outlined a significant procurement plan, seeking more than 1,400 coastal surveillance drones, over 200,000 coastal attack drones, and 1,320 one-way attack uncrewed surface vessels (USVs).

The government recently approved a NT$240 billion (S$9.4 billion) drone defense bill, with additional spending expected to be approved in November. This reflects a major shift in defense priorities as tensions with China continue to rise.

At a yacht resort in the southern city of Tainan, manufacturers from the US and Singapore demonstrated their sea drones to Taiwanese government and other officials on Nov 2. USVs, several meters long and capable of carrying bombs, were shown off in a marina, while uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) hovered below the surface.

Taiwan aims to become an Asian hub for drone production, free of Chinese components, leveraging its expertise in AI and semiconductors. However, the island is also seeking partnerships with foreign firms known for battle-tested systems and advanced software.

A recent deal saw Florida-based Maritime Tactical Systems agree to supply 25 USVs to Taiwan’s coast guard, with production taking place in both the US and Taiwan. The company emphasized the strategic value of investing in Taiwan’s defense capabilities.

Analysts highlight the potential of uncrewed sea drones as a cost-effective alternative to traditional warships and submarines. They argue that these systems can complicate Chinese military operations and address Taiwan’s manpower shortages due to its declining birth rate.

Global demand for UUVs has surged since the start of the Middle East war, as seen in the Strait of Hormuz. Experts note that underwater robots can neutralize threats like mines, making them a critical tool in modern naval warfare.

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