Taiwan has unveiled a new uncrewed surface vessel (USV) named the Endeavor Manta, marking a significant milestone in its maritime defense capabilities. The vessel, developed by Taiwan’s China Shipbuilding Corporation (CSBC Corp.), is reportedly the first of its kind for the Republic of China Navy (ROCN). Its introduction comes amid growing global interest in USVs, particularly after Ukraine’s successful use of drone boats against Russian naval forces.
The Endeavor Manta was publicly revealed during a launch event held at the port of Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan. The event featured a demonstration of the vessel’s capabilities, with CSBC Corp. showcasing its potential role in Taiwan’s defense strategy.
The Endeavor Manta is relatively small, with an 8.6-meter (28.2-foot) length, a 3.7-meter (12.1-foot) width, and a displacement exceeding five tons when fully loaded. Constructed with a fiber-reinforced plastic hull, the USV has a payload capacity of over one ton and can reach speeds of more than 35 knots, powered by two outboard engines. While the current model includes a crew position at the base of its sail, it remains uncertain whether this feature is solely for testing or if future versions will be optionally crewed.
The Endeavor Manta is equipped with multiple communication systems, including 4G, line-of-sight radios, and a beyond-line-of-sight satellite link, allowing for remote operation. In the event of jamming or communication failure, the vessel is designed to autonomously return to its base.
Notably, the USV features AI-based autonomous navigation with collision avoidance, AI target recognition, and anti-hijacking functions. Reports suggest the latter includes a self-destruction mechanism to prevent enemy forces from capturing and repurposing the vessel.
The development of the Endeavor Manta began last year, drawing inspiration from Ukraine’s use of USVs in its conflict with Russia. However, this Taiwanese drone boat has been specifically designed for operations in the Taiwan Strait.
The choice of a trimaran hull enables the vessel to operate effectively in the often challenging sea conditions of the Strait. Its stealthy design reduces detectability, enhancing its survivability against enemy forces.
In an offensive capacity, the Endeavor Manta is designed to carry an undisclosed number of light torpedoes to engage enemy vessels. Once its torpedo payload is depleted, the USV can execute kamikaze-style attacks by ramming enemy ships, utilizing a bow-mounted warhead. The vessel’s small size likely necessitates external torpedo mounts.
CSBC Corp. has indicated that up to 50 Endeavor Manta units can be controlled from a single control station. The USV can also integrate with other drone systems and satellite-based targeting platforms, expanding its tactical applications.
Due to its compact size, the Endeavor Manta can be deployed from small ports, beaches, coves, and outlying islands in the Taiwan Strait. It can also be transported via truck and launched as needed, increasing its operational flexibility. Additionally, larger naval vessels, such as the Yushan-class landing platform dock, can deploy over 20 Endeavor Manta units at a time, significantly bolstering Taiwan’s maritime defenses.
A key aspect of the Endeavor Manta’s design is its affordability and reliance on domestically produced components. Only the satellite guidance system and outboard engines are sourced from foreign suppliers. This approach ensures cost-effective mass production while minimizing dependence on external partners.
Although CSBC Corp. is not submitting the Endeavor Manta in Taiwan’s upcoming USV competition, it remains confident in the vessel’s potential adoption by the ROCN and civilian agencies.
While the Endeavor Manta is Taiwan’s first dedicated naval drone, the country has been heavily investing in drone warfare, particularly aerial drones and loitering munitions. The United States recently approved the sale of over 1,000 loitering munitions to Taiwan, including the Switchblade 300 and ALTIUS 600M, both of which have seen action in Ukraine.
The Endeavor Manta and aerial drones are expected to play a crucial role in neutralizing Chinese warships and landing craft during a potential conflict. The USV could also serve in surveillance and reconnaissance roles, enhancing Taiwan’s situational awareness and target acquisition capabilities.
Taiwan’s adoption of drone boats aligns with the Pentagon’s “Hellscape” strategy, which focuses on leveraging swarms of uncrewed systems for defense. U.S. and Taiwanese officials have warned that China could attempt an armed intervention by 2027, making the rapid deployment of cost-effective autonomous weapons increasingly critical.
China has been aggressively expanding its own drone warfare capabilities, investing heavily in loitering munitions and swarming technologies. Beijing has developed numerous uncrewed air, ground, and sea platforms, making drone warfare a likely key factor in any future Taiwan conflict. War games and strategic assessments highlight the importance of uncrewed systems in countering China’s numerical superiority.
Despite Taiwan’s significant investments in asymmetric warfare, it is surprising that the ROCN has taken this long to develop its own USV capabilities. Given the nature of the threat from China, many defense analysts expected Taiwan to already possess a robust fleet of drone boats.
The Endeavor Manta’s introduction marks an important step in modernizing Taiwan’s naval defenses. Its ability to operate in swarms, attack enemy vessels with torpedoes or suicide strikes, and integrate into larger drone warfare networks positions it as a valuable asset in Taiwan’s defense strategy.
As global navies increasingly incorporate USVs into their fleets, the Endeavor Manta represents Taiwan’s commitment to leveraging autonomous technologies for national defense. While the island nation may be late to the game, the Endeavor Manta could prove to be a crucial addition to its evolving military doctrine in the face of growing threats from China.
