Taiwan unveils home-built unmanned attack boat inspired by Ukraine drone warfare

Taiwan’s shipbuilder CSBC Corp has unveiled its first domestically developed military unmanned surface vehicle (USV), marking a significant step towards strengthening the island’s drone fleet against growing threats from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Inspired by Ukraine’s use of drone warfare, the Endeavour Manta USV aligns with Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare strategy, leveraging advanced and cost-effective technologies against a numerically superior adversary.

However, concerns persist over whether Taiwan’s domestically produced military USVs are effective and cost-efficient given the island’s lag behind mainland China in drone development.

The drone attack boat was unveiled on Tuesday during a launch event in Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan. The drone measures 8.6 metres by 3.7 metres (28 feet by 12 feet), and has a displacement exceeding 5 tonnes. Made of fibre-reinforced plastic, it has a payload capacity exceeding 1 tonne and a top speed of 35 knots (65km/h), powered by two outboard engines.

Equipped with multiple communication systems – including 4G, line-of-sight radios and beyond line-of-sight satellite links – the USV can maintain contact with a control centre.

CSBC chairman Huang Cheng-hung emphasised its AI-driven targeting, anti-hijacking features and autonomous navigation system, allowing it to return to base – even if jammed by enemy forces. The vessel could carry high-explosive warheads and light torpedoes and maximise damage through direct suicide collisions.

The USV’s trimaran hull enhances stability in the Taiwan Strait, which is influenced by the powerful Kuroshio current. Huang noted that rough waves frequently posed challenges, making seaworthiness essential. Additionally, the USV’s manoeuvrability meant it could be rapidly deployed with towing vehicles at beaches or ports.