Taiwan's Coast Guard is adding drones and new ships, a sign Taipei is shifting toward unmanned patrols as pressure in its surrounding waters grows.

• A JUMP 20 surveillance drone and a MARTAC T-24 drone boat will appear publicly for the first time at this year's National Day display.
• The Coast Guard is planning its biggest National Day showing ever, with assault boats, mobile radar trucks and thermal imaging vehicles.
• Three changes are coming: a new shipbuilding program, upgraded surveillance systems with AI-assisted decision-making, and unmanned vehicles.
• The JUMP 20 can fly very high and watch targets without being spotted, which should help catch large drug-smuggling operations.
• Retired top navy officers from the US, Japan and Britain will meet in Taipei on 14 October to discuss gray-zone harassment and pressure at sea.

Outlook: Expect Taiwan to keep pushing unmanned sea and air patrols to stretch its coverage without adding crews.