Taiwan has developed an unmanned boat modeled after Ukrainian naval drones
27.03.2025 - 16:22
For the first time, Taiwan has demonstrated a new unmanned surface vessel (USV) Endeavor Manta in the port of Kaohsiung.
The surface vessel was developed by the Taiwan Shipbuilding Corporation, writes TWZ.
The Endeavor Manta boat is 8.6 m long. It has a displacement of more than 5 thousand kg and the ability to develop high speed thanks to two outboard engines.
The hull is made of fiber-reinforced plastic, which ensures maneuverability in the difficult sea conditions of the Taiwan Strait. The boats are able to operate in groups, as they have autonomous navigation to avoid collisions and use artificial intelligence systems to recognize targets.
In case of capture, a self-destruct function is provided. It attacks enemy ships using light torpedoes or a ram using a warhead in the bow.
In particular, the Endeavor Manta boat can be launched from small ports, beaches or even landing ships.
The article also noted that the Taiwanese developers of the Endeavor Manta were inspired by Ukrainian naval drones that destroy Russian ships and aircraft in the Black Sea during a full-scale war.
Experts say that the development of the Endeavor Manta is part of Taiwan’s strategy to create swarms of inexpensive drones to deter possible aggression from China.
