TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Thunder Tiger achieved simultaneous operation of six SeaShark series unmanned surface vehicles from a single control station at a sailing training base in Pingtung, showcasing its unmanned boat control technology and AI-powered systems to help enhance Taiwan’s maritime capabilities.
The demonstration comes as the Ministry of National Defense plans to spend NT$30 billion (US$1 billion) between next year and 2027 to procure 1,350 unmanned attack and reconnaissance boats, per CNA. Thunder Tiger plans to compete for the contract. It has strengthened R&D of China-free components, completed military-grade testing and production preparations for some models.
During the demonstration, the company showcased the USVs operating in tactical formations and swarm control. The boats switched between formations such as V-shaped, zigzag, and straight-line. In simulated encounters with enemy ships, the boats were able to disperse or concentrate their formations within seconds.
The vessels feature military-grade anti-jamming systems to maintain stable communications in high-interference environments, the company noted. They also have a stealth design with a low radar profile, reducing the chance of detection.
The company highlighted that the six-meter-long SeaShark 600 USV can carry 300 to 600 kg and switch between reconnaissance and attack missions. It can be deployed from the coastline or launched from a mothership.
The next-generation SeaShark 800 is an eight-meter-long attack USV capable of carrying explosives and operating via long-range remote control. It features an aluminum hull with a stealth coating, a top speed of 92.6 kph, and swarm control technology for coordinated operations. In June, the vessel passed a testing demonstration held by the National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology in Yilan.
Thunder Tiger added that it has partnered with international drone firms to advance its counter‑UAV technologies, including drones that can automatically take off to conduct interception missions. The company has also worked with US drone software firm Auterion to integrate AI-powered autonomous software into a machine‑gun platform, allowing it to detect and shoot down intruding UAVs.
