09 September 2021

Taiwanese navy commissions first improved Tuo Chiang-class corvette, receives second FMLB minelayer

by Gabriel Dominguez

The RoCN commissioned Ta Chiang , its first improved Tuo Chiang-class fast missile corvette, in a ceremony held on 9 September at the Suao naval base in northeastern Taiwan's Yilan County. (Ministry of National Defense)

The Republic of China Navy (RoCN) has commissioned its first improved Tuo Chiang (also spelt Tuo Jiang)-class fast missile corvette and received its second FMLB fast minelaying vessel.

The events took place in a ceremony held at the Suao Naval Base in northeastern Taiwan's Yilan County that was also attended by President Tsai Ing-wen.

Named Ta Chiang (pennant number 619), the corvette was launched in December 2020 at Lungteh Shipbuilding's facilities in Suao. Taiwan is to build another five ships of the improved variant by 2023, with up to five more corvettes expected to follow thereafter.

Developed under the Hsun Hai programme, the Tuo Chiang-class corvettes feature a wave-piercing catamaran hull form, waterjet propulsion, and a low radar cross-section (RCS) design. The new ships are intended to be deployed on the low-intensity maritime security missions that are currently undertaken by the RoCN's larger and more expensive destroyers and frigates, while providing an affordable, asymmetrical solution against an adversary's amphibious landing and other large ships in the case of a conflict.

Ta Chiang is the first series-produced vessel of the class and features several enhancements over first-of-class Tuo Chiang – which was commissioned in late 2014 – in weaponry, mission systems, and design.

Taiwan's state-owned Central News Agency (CNA) quoted the RoCN as saying that Ta Chiang

The Republic of China Navy (RoCN) has commissioned its first improved Tuo Chiang (also spelt Tuo Jia...

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