Taiwan teams up with US start-up on underwater drones to boost island’s defences

Taiwan has inked a pact with US defense startup Vatn Systems to engineer autonomous underwater drones and bolster its defense against asymmetric threats from Beijing. This deal, signed with the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), Taiwan's premier weapons research body, marks a trend of expanding the island's unmanned underwater fleet.

The memorandum of understanding signed last week outlines plans for NCSIST and Vatn to investigate AI-driven command-and-control systems, deploy autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and build supply-chain and maintenance support within Taiwan. NCSIST claims this collaboration will merge foreign technology with Taiwan's industrial and research strengths, accelerating AUV development and systems integration while bolstering underwater reconnaissance and maritime defense strength.

Vatn's CEO, Nelson Mills, commented that the deal would help the US and allied partners build affordable autonomous underwater capabilities, aiding Taiwan's naval modernization. The agreement also paves the way for Vatn's S12 AUV, tailored for various mission requirements. As Taiwan increasingly leans on unmanned underwater systems for surveillance, seabed mapping, mine countermeasures, and infrastructure protection, the island is also exploring military applications amid growing tensions with China.

While most nations, including the US, do not acknowledge Taiwan as an independent state, Washington adamantly opposes any forceful attempt to annex the island. NCSIST has also strengthened ties with US defense company Anduril Industries, acquiring a Dive-LD AUV capable of operating at depths of 6,000 meters and submerged for up to 10 days.

NCSIST hopes that the experience obtained from using the Dive-LD would enhance its autonomous navigation, sensor integration, modular payloads, and cost-effective production.