Taiwan Unveils First Domestically Built Military Unmanned Surface Vehicle

Taiwan’s shipbuilding industry reached a new milestone on Tuesday as CSBC Corp.

Taiwan, unveiled its first domestically produced military-use unmanned surface vehicle (USV), the Endeavor Manta.

Speaking at the launch event in Kaohsiung, CSBC Chair Huang Cheng-hung (黃正弘) said the company began developing the military-grade USV in early 2024.

The Endeavor Manta is an 8.6-meter by 3.7-meter trimaran drone ship made of fiber-reinforced plastic, designed for operations in the challenging waters of the Taiwan Strait.

The unmanned vessel boasts a maximum speed of 35 nautical miles per hour and a payload capacity of over 1 metric ton.

It is equipped with advanced communication systems, including 4G, radio frequency, and satellite connectivity, as well as artificial intelligence targeting and anti-hijacking features.

Huang highlighted the USV’s group-control autonomous navigation system with collision avoidance technology, enhancing its operational efficiency.

The vessel can also be equipped with explosives on its bow and light torpedoes on its sides, making it a versatile asset in maritime defense.

“The trimaran design improves sailing performance and enhances mobility, allowing the Endeavor Manta to better withstand the powerful Kuroshio or ‘Black Current’ in the Taiwan Strait,” Huang explained.

Source: CNA