Taiwan is intensifying its military capabilities with the announcement of a significant procurement plan for 1,320 domestically produced Kuai Chi attack uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) over the next five years, as reported by Taipei Times. This strategic move aims to enhance Taiwan’s defense posture amid rising tensions with China, which continues to claim the self-governing island as its territory.
The Kuai Chi USVs are set to be delivered in three batches, each allocated to specific military divisions, including the Taiwanese Navy’s Coastal Combat Command, the Marine Corps, and the Army Special Operations Command. The responsibility for overseeing this procurement and subsequent mass production has been assigned to the Naval Command Headquarters by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense.
The announcement comes on the heels of successful evaluations of the Kuai Chi during the recent Sea and Air Precision Ammunition Firing Exercise at the Jiupeng military base, located in Pingtung County in southern Taiwan. This live-fire exercise showcased a coordinated sea-air strike capability utilizing various drone platforms.
The Kuai Chi, developed by the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology, was integrated with its onboard Ching Feng I system, which includes first-person view suicide drones and Albatross II aerial drones. These systems work together to jam enemy defenses and execute precision strikes, culminating in high-impact assaults by the Kuai Chi USVs on moving targets.
Following the recent tests, the Kuai Chi USV may also be featured at the upcoming Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition, scheduled for next month, further highlighting Taiwan’s advancements in military technology.
In the broader context, Taiwan is ramping up its defense investments in response to the escalating threats from China. For 2026, Taiwan is planning to boost its defense budget to $31.1 billion, representing 3.3 percent of its GDP, which marks a 22.9 percent increase from the current budget. A significant portion of this financial commitment is aimed at enhancing both indigenous and US-supplied drone and unmanned systems capabilities, reinforcing Taiwan’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and prepare for any potential confrontations in the region.
