Taiwan has decided to award contracts for dozens of sea drones for its Coast Guard, a high-ranking official close to the matter told Nikkei Asia, tapping U.S. technology as it races to strengthen defense and counter China’s expanding maritime operations in the region. The government is set to procure 25 uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and two unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) for the Coast Guard Administration from the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), the official said on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. The government-backed institute will work with U.S. company Maritime Tactical Systems, known as MARTAC, according to the official. The goal is to launch at least one prototype for testing in the first half of 2027, the source said, cautioning that the plan is still “at an early stage.”

Full report : Taiwan orders dozens of sea drones to fend off China’s maritime squeeze.