A new move from Taiwan to bolster its defensive capabilities against the PLAN involves a USV based on the notes taken from Ukraine and Taiwan’s capabilities.
Taiwan News reported that the new kamikaze USV titled “Endeavor Manta” is built for striking large surface combatants and operations in the Taiwan Strait. The trimaran hull will allow high sea state operation capabilities and a speed of 35 knots.
The USV is armed rather uniquely, with an explosive payload dome at the bow housing a one-ton payload and two lightweight torpedoes located in the hull extension for an opening attack.
While the explosive would be no issue, it is a question of whether Taiwan has developed lightweight torpedoes, as the state-owned NCSIST has not announced the development of such weapons. However, the firm is known to have developed a seeker for fielding different torpedoes, which might mean an indigenous torpedo is in the works. After all, Taiwan is no stranger to developing Indigenous weaponry for its navy, with NCSIST having developed capable missiles like the Hsiung Feng III supersonic anti-ship missile and TC-2N medium-range air defence missile.
Even without torpedoes, kamikaze USVs have become an alarming danger to large warships, which mostly lack equipment optimised for defence against a well-coordinated attack. This has caused shifts in the sensor and armament sectors working for navies towards finding new solutions.
