Taiwan launches final missile-capable coastguard vessel

A file image of the Republic of China Coast Guard's fourth An P'ing-class vessel, Ch'i Chin . The programme's final hull was launched on 15 May 2026. (Republic of China Coast Guard)

Taiwan has launched the final hull in its An P'ing‑class offshore patrol vessel programme for the Republic of China Coast Guard, formally the Coast Guard Administration (CGA).

A naming and launch ceremony for the vessel was held at Jong Shyn Shipbuilding in Kaohsiung on 15 May, the Ministry of National Defense's Military News Agency (MNA) reported.

The vessel will be in service as Donggang , with pennant number CG 615, once it is commissioned. Citing the CGA, MNA described the launch of Donggang as a significant milestone in Taiwan's long‑running coast guard fleet modernisation effort.

The An P'ing class comprises 12 large offshore patrol vessels derived from the Republic of China Navy's Tuo Chiang‑class fast missile corvettes.

First-of-class An P'ing was commissioned in December 2020, while the eleventh vessel in the class, Lan Yu , was inducted in March 2026.

Its design centres around a wave‑piercing catamaran hull optimised for high‑speed maritime operations. Vessels in the class measure just over 65 m in overall length with a beam of about 14.8 m and displace approximately 700 tonnes.

The class is powered by waterjet propulsion, and each vessel is capable of reaching speeds in excess of 40 kt, with an operational range of approximately 2,000 n miles.

Its design incorporates reduced radar cross‑section features, reflecting its naval lineage, and affords a high degree of manoeuvrability and endurance for patrol operations around Taiwan.