Taiwan is teaming up with U.S. and local defense companies to showcase cutting-edge uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs)—think drone boats—that could play a role in future military operations. This isn’t just a tech expo; it’s part of Taiwan’s broader push to bolster its defenses, particularly against potential threats from China, by focusing on asymmetric warfare tools that are harder to counter. Twelve companies, including seven from Taiwan and five from the U.S., are putting their tech on display in a two-day demo starting Tuesday in Suao.

Editor’s Note: With tensions simmering in the Taiwan Strait, this isn’t just about cool gadgets—it’s a signal of how Taiwan is adapting to a risky security environment. By leaning into uncrewed systems, Taiwan aims to make any potential conflict costlier and more complicated for China, while also deepening ties with U.S. defense innovators. For the rest of the world, it’s a reminder that the island isn’t sitting idle as pressure mounts.