Taiwan is pushing to build its own unmanned naval vessels, a move aimed at boosting the island's defense independence.

• State-run Taiwan Shipbuilding Corporation showed off its self-made unmanned surface vessel, the "Vanguard Manta," at a maritime tech expo in Tainan.
• The company is partnering with US autonomous systems firm Havoc, pairing its shipbuilding and supply-chain strength with Havoc's self-driving control technology.
• The goal is to build local production capacity for unmanned surface vessels, with an eye on eventually selling to Taiwan's navy and coast guard.
• This fits into Taiwan's broader push for homegrown defense capabilities amid ongoing tension with China.

Outlook: Expect Taiwan to keep expanding domestic production of unmanned military hardware as it leans on partnerships like this one with US firms.