01scmp.com2026-10-14
Taiwan turns to US drone boats to track rising mainland Chinese sea activity (opens in a new tab)
Taiwan is acquiring high-speed Devil Ray T24 autonomous drone boats from the U.S. to enhance its maritime surveillance capabilities. The deal, described as a major expansion of Taiwan’s reconnaissance tools, marks the coastguard’s first unmanned surface vessel program. This move follows a surge in mainland Chinese maritime activity near Taiwan, with record sightings of Chinese vessels in recent months. The procurement aims to bolster Taiwan’s ability to monitor rising sea threats.