In the shadow of China, Taiwan is building a drone army to stop an invasion

A SeaShark 800 sea drone, developed by Thunder Tiger, takes part in a test ride in the sea off Wushi, Taiwan, on June 6, 2025 [Ann Wang/Reuters]

Taipei, Taiwan – On a bright morning last month, three sea drones skimmed across Su’ao Bay, off of Taiwan’s rugged northeast coast.

The tiny “stealth” Carbon Voyager 1, fast-moving Black Tide I, and explosives-carrying Sea Shark 800 were the highlight of an expo for companies vying to help Taiwan build up a maritime drone force.