Taiwan has introduced its first indigenous unmanned surface vehicle (USV) as part of its efforts to develop asymmetric warfare capabilities amid the growing threat from China.

This month, Taiwan’s state-backed shipbuilder, CSBC Corporation, unveiled its first domestically developed USV, the Endeavor Manta, at Kaohsiung’s Singda Harbor.

Designed to operate in the Taiwan Strait, the trimaran-hulled vessel measures 8.6 metres in length and 3.7 metres in width. It is constructed from fiber-reinforced plastic, ensuring high manoeuvrability and seaworthiness. 

It boasts a top speed of 65 km/h and can carry over one metric tonne of payload, including light torpedoes on its two sides and explosives on its bow.

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Drawing inspiration from Ukraine’s use of USVs against Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, CSBC began developing the Manta in early 2024. The vessel features multiple remote communication modes, such as 4G, radio frequency, and satellite communications, while incorporating advanced capabilities, including AI-assisted targeting, autonomous navigation, collision avoidance, and swarm control.

As reported, it is programmed to return to base or self-destruct if compromised. Aside from foreign-sourced satellite and motor components, all systems are locally produced.

The Mantra’s rollout underscores Taiwan’s emphasis on indigenous defence innovation and signals a shift toward cost-effective, unmanned platforms amid growing Chinese military assertiveness.

Delving deeper into the possible tactical roles of Taiwan’s Manta USV, USVs can pose a greater threat to surface ships than aerial weapons, as they strike at the waterline and carry explosive payloads that are significantly heavier than those of the latter type.

Hence, swarms of low-profile USVs are difficult to detect and counter, and they could overwhelm the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) fleet. 

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