TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of National Defense confirmed on Wednesday (Aug. 14) that a project to develop a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is ongoing.

The defense ministry spokesperson Sun Li-fang (孫立方) said at a press conference the project is led by National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) and is part of a budget secured by Taiwan’s academic community for innovative research and development, per CNA. Sun said the main goal is to develop critical foundational technologies that can be used for both military and civilian purposes, effectively expanding and utilizing Taiwan's maritime resources. The MND and NCSIST are supportive of the academic community's involvement in such research, he added.

Navy Chief of Staff Chiu Chun-jung (邱俊榮) said that unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater vehicles are all force multipliers for future combat capabilities. The Navy closely monitors trends in networked warfare, from intelligence and surveillance, to strike capabilities, Chiu added.

The chief of staff said the Navy plans to develop unmanned systems, including surface and underwater platforms but is not at the stage where it can provide detailed information to the public.

The news comes after Taiwan recently announced a 6% increase to its defense budget for 2025. A new high of NT$647 billion (US$19.80 billion) out of a total budget of NT$3.13 trillion has been approved for next year, per the Presidential Office. 

The large boost to defense will allow Taiwan to continue developing indigenous weapons and purchase arms from the US.