Exhibition in Taiwan tests domestically-developed sea drones
A public research institute in Taiwan has held an event featuring trial runs of Taiwanese-made sea drones.
The government's National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, or NCSIST, hosted a two-day exhibition that began on Tuesday in the northeastern county of Yilan facing the Pacific.
This comes as China increases military pressure on Taiwan.
Three Taiwanese firms tested their unmanned surface vehicles at sea, showing off highly advanced technology.
Other local and foreign companies displayed sea drones they developed.
Among them was an unmanned combat sea vehicle developed by Taiwanese manufacturer Thunder Tiger. It measures 8 meters in length and 2 meters in width. It boasts a top speed of more than 100 kilometers per hour. The maker says it is capable of carrying 1,300 to 1,500 kilograms of explosives and equipment.
Taiwan's Defense Ministry has been promoting an "asymmetric warfare" strategy to counter China's massive military prowess with low-cost, agile weaponry. It has been focusing on the development of aerial and maritime drones.
NCSIST President Li Shih-chiang expressed the intention to strengthen the partnership between the military and the private sector. He said the use of the highest quality sea drones by Taiwan's military will bring about a more effective deterrent.
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