Navy takes delivery of two Tuo Chiang-class corvettes

Navy takes delivery of two Tuo Chiang-class corvettes

2024-03-26

The Navy has taken delivery of two more Tuo Chiang-class corvettes. The An Chiang and the Wan Chiang are the last two vessels remaining in an initial batch of six. They are fitted with several missile systems that allow them to hit air and sea targets simultaneously. Though small in size, the ships are mighty, and have been dubbed “aircraft carrier killers.”

At a ceremony attended by President Tsai Ing-wen, the Navy took delivery of the An Chiang and Wan Chiang corvettes.

As Tsai watched on, Lungteh Shipbuilding presented certificates and models of the ships, to symbolize the completion of the handover. Tsai led an inspection of the two high-performance vessels.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
Four years ago, I christened our first high-performance vessel, the Ta Chiang corvette. The Chinese character of “Ta” symbolizes our domestic shipbuilding efforts. Through perseverance, we can make a tower out of sand. Over the past few years, we have been committed to self-reliance in national defense. With every vessel produced in Taiwan, the process of christening, launching and handing over ships has only become faster.

Huang Shou-chen
Lungteh Shipbuilding
It can sail very fast, at a maximum speed of more than 40 knots. It has a shallow draft, allowing it to dock at fishing ports all around Taiwan. Its stealth design makes it hard to detect, and it is equipped with advanced and forward-looking automated and digital systems.

The Tuo Chiang-class corvettes are equipped with Hsiung Feng-II, Hsiung Feng-III and Sea Sword II missiles that can strike aircraft carriers. They also have a 76mm cannon and a Phalanx CIWS weapon system, allowing the vessels to engage in close combat as well as target enemy ships and aircraft. The equipment makes them powerful for their size, making them an important force in asymmetrical warfare.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
These high-performance vessels offer stealth capabilities and navigation stability. They are the Navy’s first small-sized ships with air defense capabilities. These features create a safer working environment for sailors in the line of duty. I would like to thank all our sailors for their hard work and efforts on the front line. The government will continue to strive for a modern, professional, and high-quality force, and demonstrate its commitment to defending our nation’s maritime borders.

With the handover of the Wan Chiang and An Chiang, the first batch of Tuo Chiang-class corvettes has been completed. Construction on the second batch will begin later this year.

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