Taiwan signs deal with US defense firm to advance underwater drone tech

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) has signed an MOU with US defense startup VATN Systems to boost the development of unmanned underwater systems.

NCSIST Deputy Director Lin Chun-tsun (林俊村) and VATN Systems co-founder and CEO Nelson Mills signed the deal to establish a technical partnership on unmanned underwater vehicles and promote innovation and system integration for autonomous underwater vehicles, according to the Military News Agency.

NCSIST said that amid the rapid development of unmanned underwater technologies, AUVs can be used for ocean monitoring, environmental surveys, and underwater reconnaissance. These drones can strengthen Taiwan’s maritime surveillance and defense capabilities, the institute said, per MNA.

NCSIST emphasized that the partnership with VATN Systems will combine international technology with Taiwan’s industrial, government, academic, and research strengths to advance AUV innovation and system integration, according to MNA. It will also accelerate related technological development, improve underwater reconnaissance capabilities, and bolster the nation’s asymmetric warfare capacity and maritime defense resilience.

The partnership also aims to better connect Taiwan’s defense technology sector with global industry and improve defense self-reliance, NCSIST added.