Taiwan is developing new sea drones and a laser gun while reportedly drawing lessons from the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
A global competition is underway to develop small drones and laser-based directed-energy weapons that have the potential to transform future wars.
After observing events in the Ukraine war, Taiwan's National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) has initiated the development of two prototypes of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), The Liberty Times reported.
Ukraine has successfully used sea drones against Russian warships since the war began in 2022. It is reported to have carried out at least 13 sea-drone attacks on Russian military ships, including attacks at Russia's naval base in Sevastopol and Novorossiysk harbor.
The Taiwanese drones could serve the dual purpose of carrying out surprise attacks and countering threats from Chinese warships, if needed.
The NCSIST will develop a new unmanned attack drone that can be operated from over a 43-mile distance while having the ability to coordinate with air, land and underwater unmanned vehicles. The unmanned attack ships will carry different types of bombs so they have a surprise element.
The NCSIST has also recently launched a new unmanned remote-controlled target ship, which will complement the planned sea drones.
The unmanned vehicles, including ships and drones, will be integrated with land, air and sea systems, unlocking the potential for "near-shore defense, attack, mine detection, submarine detection," the NCSIST said on its website.
The mass production of the two prototypes of sea drones could begin in 2026 after passing the Taiwanese military's combat evaluation.
The NCSIST is also seeking to develop a new high-energy laser weapon that could be mounted on a vehicle, The Liberty Times reported, citing military sources.
The "Lightning Protection Project" was launched in 2020, and it's currently completing testing of the low-energy laser beam, and the testing of a medium or high-powered laser weapon will follow.
Taiwan has also drawn lessons from Israel's plan to develop an air defense system called "Iron Beam," produced by Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. "Iron Beam" has been designed to neutralize rockets, artillery, mortars and unmanned aerial systems.
The U.S. has received three prototypes of the Stryker-based 50-kilowatt laser, which the army will soon test to examine their suitability in a conflict environment. The race to develop new types of laser-based small-directed energy weapons is underway, and multiple countries are working on bringing laser-based systems to the battlefield.
Taiwanese experts reportedly could visit New Mexico in the U.S. to observe the testing of a Stryker-based 50-kilowatt laser.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Aadil Brar is a reporter for Newsweek based in Taipei, Taiwan. He covers international security, U.S.-China relations, and East Asian ... Read more
