Taiwan promotes unmanned vehicle technology to counter maritime threats

At the inaugural Taiwan Marine Technology and Unmanned Vehicle Exhibition (MATURE Taiwan) in Tainan, Vice President Hsiao Mei-ching called for the accelerated deployment of unmanned systems to bolster national security. Addressing the event, Hsiao emphasized that the ocean is Taiwan’s economic lifeline and its first line of defense against increasing grey-zone tactics.

She advocated for a shift in defense thinking, suggesting that flexible unmanned vehicles should handle tasks traditionally performed by larger vessels to improve resource allocation and defensive resilience. Hsiao highlighted the need to integrate sensors, communications, and AI command systems across space, land, sea, and underwater domains to create a multi-layered maritime network.

Ocean Affairs Council Chairperson Kan Pi-ling stated that Taiwan is entering a critical period of using technology to defend sovereignty. She noted that the government is working to build autonomous research capabilities and a national marine radar observation network to ensure Taiwan maintains control over its own maritime data. The exhibition features participants from Taiwan, the United States, Singapore, and Europe, showcasing unmanned surface and underwater vehicles designed for maritime monitoring and defense applications.