US Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery Discusses Taiwan’s Defense Resolve and Drone Trends

Walking along the Embarcadero in San Diego, the sight of massive naval vessels is as common as the salt air, but the nature of the power those ships project is undergoing a fundamental shift. Even as the skyline remains the same, the strategic conversation happening in the corridors of power—from the Pentagon down to the local defense hubs in Southern California—is pivoting toward a new kind of warfare. Recent insights from retired US Navy Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery highlight a stark reality: the era of traditional naval dominance is being rewritten by unmanned systems and the urgent need for partners, specifically Taiwan, to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to their own defense through increased budgetary investment.

The Pivot from Information Dominance to Intelligence Dominance

For decades, the gold standard of maritime operations was “information dominance”—the ability to see the enemy before being seen and to communicate faster than the opposition. While, as outlined in recent strategic analyses, we are witnessing a transition toward what is termed “intelligence dominance” (or “smart dominance”). This isn’t just about having more data; This proves about the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to create systems that can autonomously learn, upgrade, and evolve in real-time.

The battlefield is shifting from the physical domain to the cognitive domain. In this new paradigm, the goal is no longer just to sink a ship, but to disrupt the opponent’s decision-making chain. By utilizing intelligent algorithms and cognitive confrontation, forces can now interfere with an enemy’s ability to process information. For instance, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) equipped with electronic warfare systems can analyze communication protocols in real-time to generate dynamic interference strategies. This allows a force to feed false intelligence or misleading signals into an opponent’s command system, effectively blinding them even if their hardware is functioning perfectly.

The Emergence of the Swarm Threat

The theoretical threat of “swarming” has develop into a tangible operational crisis. In regions like the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, both state and non-state actors have demonstrated that massing small, low-cost platforms—specifically unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs)—can create significant strategic and operational impacts. These swarms can harass commercial shipping or naval assets, limiting their movement and forcing a complete rethink of defensive tactics.

The response to this threat is already being tested. During “REPMUS 23,” new radar capabilities designed to detect and counter small, highly mobile drones were place to the test. Specifically, radar systems manufactured by Thales were deployed to enhance air traffic control and provide comprehensive anti-drone coverage. This highlights a critical second-order effect: the need for a layered defense that combines traditional naval power with specialized, high-frequency detection systems capable of spotting a swarm before it reaches the inner perimeter.

Strategic Implications for Global Alliances

This technological leap explains the urgency in Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery’s recent warnings. During a forum on maritime unmanned trends, Montgomery emphasized that the US perspective—particularly under the leadership of Donald Trump—focuses heavily on a partner’s determination for self-defense. For Taiwan, this means that maintaining US support is not merely a matter of diplomacy, but of tangible investment. If a partner does not increase its defense budget to adapt to these “intelligent” warfare trends, they risk losing the strategic umbrella provided by the United States.

The logic is simple: the US is unlikely to commit resources to a partner that is not evolving its own capabilities. The transition to unmanned systems, including smart mines, torpedoes, and autonomous submersibles, represents the new “main force” of maritime combat. Those who fail to integrate these technologies into their national defense strategy are essentially fighting the last war while their adversaries are fighting the next one. You can read more about how these shifts impact global security trends and the resulting economic pressures on allied nations.

Navigating the Defense Ecosystem in San Diego

Given my background in analyzing the intersection of geopolitical shifts and local economic impacts, San Diego is the epicenter for this transition. The city isn’t just a port; it’s a living laboratory for the “intelligence dominance” shift. If you are a contractor, a tech founder, or a policy analyst in the San Diego area, the rise of unmanned maritime systems creates a specific set of professional needs. To navigate this landscape, you need more than just general consultants; you need specialists who understand the cognitive domain.

If the shift toward unmanned systems and cognitive warfare impacts your business or strategic planning in San Diego, here are the three types of local professionals you should be engaging with:

Maritime AI Systems Architects

Look for engineers who specialize specifically in autonomous navigation and swarm logic. The key criterion here is a proven track record with “edge computing”—the ability to process AI data on the vessel itself rather than relying on a distant cloud server, which is critical for maintaining operations during electronic warfare interference.

Electronic Warfare (EW) & Signal Specialists

As the focus shifts to the cognitive domain, you need experts who can audit your systems for susceptibility to “misleading signals.” Seek out professionals who have experience with the specific radar and communication protocols used in exercises like REPMUS, focusing on those who can build resilient, jam-resistant communication links.

Defense Procurement & Budgetary Strategists

With the emphasis on “self-defense determination” and budget increases, navigating the bureaucracy of defense spending is a skill in itself. Look for strategists who have a deep understanding of current US Navy procurement cycles and can help align local innovation with the strategic priorities of the Pacific Fleet.

The transition from physical power to cognitive power is an invisible revolution, but its effects will be felt in every shipyard and tech hub across the coast. Staying ahead requires a move toward autonomous tech integration and a willingness to redefine what “defense” actually means in the age of the swarm.

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