Taiwan Unveils 'Endeavor Manta': A Ukraine-Inspired Drone Boat Enhancing Asymmetric Warfare Capabilities

In response to escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan has introduced its first domestically developed unmanned surface vessel (USV), the Endeavor Manta. This 8.6-meter (28-foot) sea drone, crafted by the Taiwan International Shipbuilding Corporation (CSBC), draws significant inspiration from Ukraine's effective use of similar technology in the Black Sea conflict.​

Design and Capabilities

The Endeavor Manta features a fiber-reinforced plastic trimaran hull, providing enhanced stability suitable for the often turbulent waters of the Taiwan Strait. With a displacement of approximately five tons, the vessel is designed for versatility and agility. It boasts a maximum speed of 35 knots (64 kilometers per hour), enabling rapid deployment and responsiveness in various maritime scenarios.​

A notable aspect of the Endeavor Manta is its payload capacity, which allows it to carry light torpedoes and high-powered explosives. This armament enables the USV to execute a range of operations, from reconnaissance and surveillance to direct engagement with adversary vessels through ramming attacks. Additionally, the vessel can serve roles in mine-hunting, search and rescue missions, and electronic warfare, showcasing its multifunctional design.​

Operational Flexibility

Designed with operational flexibility in mind, the Endeavor Manta can be launched from various points, including ports, beaches, and landing platform docks such as the Yushan-class vessels, which can accommodate up to 20 USVs. Its control systems are robust, utilizing multiple communication modes—including 4G, satellite, and radio signals—to ensure consistent command and control, even in contested environments. In scenarios where communication is compromised, the vessel is equipped with autonomous return capabilities or can self-destruct to prevent capture.​

Furthermore, a single control station has the capacity to manage up to 50 Endeavor Mantas simultaneously, facilitating coordinated swarm operations. This capability is critical for executing complex missions that require the simultaneous deployment of multiple units to overwhelm adversary defenses.​

Strategic Implications

The development and deployment of the Endeavor Manta align with Taiwan's strategic emphasis on asymmetric warfare capabilities. By investing in advanced uncrewed technologies, Taiwan aims to create substantial obstacles for potential amphibious assaults, thereby enhancing its deterrence posture against larger adversarial forces. The Endeavor Manta serves as a force multiplier, enabling Taiwan's military to project power and maintain situational awareness in its maritime domain more effectively.​

The introduction of the Endeavor Manta marks a significant advancement in Taiwan's defense capabilities, reflecting a strategic shift towards leveraging unmanned technologies for enhanced maritime security. By adopting lessons from Ukraine's use of USVs, Taiwan is positioning itself to effectively counter potential threats in the region.​