ROC Navy launches Tuo Jiang corvette

2014-12-25

The Tuo Jiang, a new Hsun Hai-class stealth missile corvette designed and manufactured in Taiwan, was officially launched by the ROC Navy Dec. 23 in Suao Port, Yilan County.

The twin-hulled, 500-ton warship is scheduled to commence service in March 2015 and will help to ensure stability in the Taiwan Strait and protect maritime shipping lanes, Minister of National Defense Yen Ming said during the ceremony.

“With the completion of this new-generation warship, Taiwan’s naval combat capabilities have reached a milestone,” Yen said. “The Tuo Jiang is the fastest and most powerful vessel of its kind in Asia, and underscores the Navy’s success in implementing the national policy of creating a self-sustaining defense.”

Featuring advanced weaponry and stealth technology, the corvette is armed with 16 missiles, including eight supersonic Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missiles, in addition to an Otobreda 76 mm gun, four 12.7 mm machine guns, an MK15 Phalanx close-in weapons system and MK32 torpedoes.

Designed for a crew of 41, the Tuo Jiang boasts a range of 2,000 nautical miles, or 3,704 kilometers, and a maximum speed of 38 knots per hour. In recent trials, it reached a record speed of 44 knots. According to the Navy, the corvette’s cutting-edge water-jet propulsion system makes it exceptionally maneuverable as well.

“Another advanced feature is its remote control capability,” said Lt. Cmdr. Wang Te-jean, who captains the ship. “Compared with the old Jinjiang-class vessels, the new-generation warship enables the captain to step away from the navigation bridge and give commands from places where he is most needed.”

The ship was built by Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co. and cost approximately NT$2.1 billion (US$65.9 million). The Navy is currently reviewing plans to commission eight to 11 more of the same model.

The ship will be stationed in northeastern Taiwan’s Suao Port as it begins service. The Navy expects the corvette, along with Perry-class guided missile frigates Taiwan is set to acquire from the U.S., to substantively bolster the nation’s self-defense capabilities.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=225552&CtNode=413)