Taiwan's army plans to buy hundreds of naval combat drones

The Taiwanese military is considering purchasing two hundred combat maritime drones to prepare for a potential Chinese invasion.

Here's What We Know

The drones will be fully procured when the Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology begins mass production in 2026. The drones will be equipped with sonar modules, radars, and weapons. They will be able to guard the coastline, launch strikes and detect submarines and mines.

A source close to the Ministry of Defence told the Taipei Times that the military believes that naval drones can counter or slow down Chinese warships in the event of war. Due to their limited range, the option of modifying such systems is also being considered.

According to plans, about 200 units will be purchased after the start of mass production.

It is likely that Taiwan's decision to consider the purchase of naval combat drones was inspired by the Ukrainian experience. After all, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are destroying the Russian fleet in the Black Sea with the help of naval drones.

Source: Taipei Times