Taiwan is developing an artificial intelligence-powered system designed to bring different types of drones together for coordinated surveillance of the waters surrounding the island. According to the Taipei Times, the technology will allow multiple groups of unmanned aircraft to operate in coordination, providing extensive coverage and continuous monitoring of maritime activity.

Researchers at National Cheng Kung University are responsible for developing the system, while the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) oversees and finances the project. The agency, which handles maritime security and environmental protection, considers a multilayered surveillance network and improved awareness of activity at sea essential to effective maritime law enforcement.

The project centers on AI-driven coordination of drone swarms, allowing different aircraft to monitor large stretches of water simultaneously. Researchers have already completed a comprehensive flight simulation involving two groups comprising 20 drones in total. The planned network will incorporate three unmanned aircraft models: Jump 20, V-Bat and Flexrotor.

Taiwan has maintained its own administration since 1949, when the remaining Kuomintang forces led by Chiang Kai-shek (1887–1975) retreated to the island after their defeat in the Chinese Civil War. Beijing officially considers Taiwan part of the People’s Republic of China, a position supported by most countries, including Russia.