Taiwan's National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology unveiled three armed robotic patrol dog units on Tuesday for reconnaissance and site security. The military-run weapons research body showcased variants of Ghost Robotics four-legged systems fitted with surveillance and firearm capabilities, with the armed model carrying a gun mounted on its back. The institute said the military has flagged a requirement for the equipment, though no official procurement request has been made. Taiwan has been upgrading its armed forces to strengthen deterrence against China, which claims the self-governed island as its own, with particular emphasis on drone technology.
National Chung-Shan Institute Showcases Three Robot Dog Variants
At a media briefing hosted at the defence ministry, the institute presented three variants of a Ghost Robotics robot dog. Ghost Robotics is a US defence supplier known for its four-legged robotic systems. The institute has fitted the robots with its own add-on systems to create reconnaissance, surveillance and armed variants, according to Reuters.
Marines Identify Patrol Requirements for South China Sea Islands
Jen Kuo-kuang, deputy director of the institute's missile and rocket systems research division, said the military had flagged a requirement for the equipment. "In fact, the marines believe that on beaches and the coastline, including for the coast guard in Nansha and Dongsha for patrols and inspection, there is a pressing need," he said, using the Chinese names for the Spratly and Pratas Islands in the South China Sea. The military is eyeing future deployment to Taiwan-held islands in the contested South China Sea.
Taiwan Administers Pratas and Itu Aba in Contested Waters
Taiwan holds a single main feature in the Spratly Islands, Itu Aba, and administers the entire Pratas group. The Pratas sit at the northern edge of the South China Sea in a strategically sensitive location, and in peacetime their defence falls to the coast guard. The islands have no permanent civilian residents, aside from coast guard personnel. Both China and Taiwan claim large swathes of the South China Sea, although Chinese forces have generally steered clear of Itu Aba. Taiwan says it has seen a rise in Chinese coast guard patrols and drone activity in the vicinity of the Pratas.
FAQ
What did Taiwan unveil on Tuesday?
Taiwan's National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology unveiled three armed robotic patrol dog units on Tuesday. The units are variants of Ghost Robotics four-legged systems fitted with reconnaissance, surveillance and armed capabilities.
Where does Taiwan plan to deploy the robot dogs?
The military is considering deployment to Taiwan-held islands in the South China Sea, specifically the Spratly and Pratas Islands. Jen Kuo-kuang stated the marines believe there is a pressing need for patrols on beaches, coastlines, and the islands referred to as Nansha and Dongsha.
Has Taiwan officially ordered the robot dogs?
No official procurement request has been made, though the military has flagged a requirement for the equipment, according to the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology.
