Archive · 13 Jun 2025
Taiwan Eyes Sea Drones to Counter China's Military Pressure
Taiwan is working on a new weapon: sea drones!
Think of them as small, explosive-filled boats controlled remotely.
Inspired by how Ukraine uses similar drones, Taiwan hopes these can help defend against China, which sees Taiwan as part of its territory.
These drones could surprise and make it harder for China to attack.
They are being developed by companies like Thunder Tiger, with help from the U.S., as Taiwan wants to be prepared with smaller, more agile weapons.
Taiwan is developing sea drones to defend against a potential Chinese invasion, drawing lessons from Ukraine's use of drones.
The 'Swift and Sudden' project has a modest budget of $26.77 million and will include sea drones in an upcoming spending package.
Thunder Tiger is testing the SeaShark 800 drone, capable of carrying 1,200 kg of explosives and traveling up to 500 km.
The Ministry of Defense is organizing an exhibition showcasing unmanned surface vehicles, including companies like Thunder Tiger and Huntington Ingalls Industries.
Taiwan's government views sea drones as a way to deter China and offset China's military advantage, supported by the U.S.
- Who
- Taiwan, with companies like Thunder Tiger and support from the U.S.
- What
- Taiwan is developing sea drones for defense.
- When
- Ongoing, with an additional spending package planned for later this year.
- Where
- Taiwan, specifically off the coast of Wushi.
- Why
- To defend against potential Chinese invasion and learn from Ukraine's drone strategy.
Taiwan's Perspective
China's Perspective
Defense Strategy
Taiwan's Perspective
Sea drones are an effective, low-cost defense strategy.
China's Perspective
China views Taiwan as its territory and has increased military pressure.
- Project Name
- "Swift and Sudden"
- Budget
- $26.77 million
- Drone Type
- Sea drones (unmanned surface vehicles)
- Drone Maker
- Thunder Tiger
- Drone Capacity
- 1,200 kg of explosives
- Drone Range
- Up to 500 km (310 miles)