Havoc and CSBC Show Two Drone Boats Ahead of Taiwan's 1,320-Boat Buy, but Not Which They Would Offer
CSBC and US startup Havoc showed their boats together in Tainan as Taiwan's navy plans to buy 1,320 one-way attack craft. They have published no bid hull, quantity, schedule or value.
CSBC says it wants navy and coast guard customers with Havoc's autonomy software on Taiwanese-built boats, and the partners have not said which hull they would bid.
CSBC displayed its Endeavor Manta beside Havoc's Rampage at MATURE Taiwan in Tainan on Nov. 3, CNA reported. Operators at the show sent commands to five Rampage boats in Rhode Island, about 7,000 nautical miles away, Commercial Times added. The companies' Sept. 10 release announced a partnership to pursue licensed co-production, with Havoc's autonomy software on CSBC boats built and sustained in Taiwan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Havoc and CSBC agree to?
On Sept. 10 they announced a partnership to pursue licensed co-production of autonomous surface vessels in Taiwan, with Havoc's autonomy software on CSBC-built platforms, per their release.
Have they won a Taiwanese navy order?
No award has been reported. CSBC president Tsai Kun-tsung said CSBC hopes to win navy and coast guard customers, per CNA.
How large is the navy's planned buy?
DSET describes 1,320 small one-way attack boats, with up to NT$29.66 billion proposed through 2031 and NT$3.01 billion in the first year for the first 120 boats and equipment, subject to legislative approval.
Which boat would they offer?
The partners have not said. They showed CSBC's Endeavor Manta and Havoc's Rampage in Tainan, per CNA.
What should readers watch next?
The navy's tender documents, which market talk in the Taiwanese business press puts as early as year-end, and the first 120 boats, which DSET gives as the defense ministry's goal for the end of 2027.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.