TAIPEI — Taiwan has decided to award contracts for dozens of sea drones for its Coast Guard, according to a high-ranking official close to the matter who spoke to Nikkei Asia. The move involves tapping U.S. technology as Taiwan seeks to bolster its defense capabilities and counter China's expanding maritime operations in the region.

The government is working with a U.S. partner to build these drones, aiming to strengthen the Coast Guard's ability to respond to increasing maritime challenges. Earlier this year, on May 15, Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling attended an event in Kaohsiung to unveil a new Coast Guard patrol ship, highlighting ongoing efforts to upgrade maritime security assets.

An ex-official has suggested that hundreds of such drones may eventually be needed to effectively address the maritime squeeze imposed by China.

Sources