Taiwan’s new ‘carrier killer’ ships are ready to boost island’s asymmetric war plan
- Tuo Jiang-class corvettes, with stealth technology and anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles, to be commissioned amid rise in PLA threats
Dubbed “carrier killers,” the An Jiang and Wan Jiang corvettes are part of the initial batch of six relatively small yet fast and agile ships in the island’s navy, a military source said on Monday.
“An Jiang and Wan Jiang have completed their combat training and will be officially enlisted by the navy on Wednesday to safeguard our waters,” the source said on condition of anonymity.
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These domestically built warships represent the fifth and sixth additions to the navy, in addition to a prototype commissioned in 2015.
“The second batch of five more corvettes is expected to be completed and delivered by the end of 2026,” the source said.
Measuring 60.4 metres long and 14 metres wide (198 feet by 46 feet), the corvettes feature a wave-piercing catamaran design. They boast a maximum speed of 45 knots (83km/h), a displacement of 700 tonnes and an operational range of 1,800 nautical miles, according to the navy.
Armed with domestically developed Hsiung Feng II and III anti-ship missiles, as well as Hai Chien II anti-aircraft missiles, the vessels can engage targets on land or sea, including aircraft carriers. Additionally, they are equipped with 76mm cannons, Phalanx close-in weapon systems and T74 machine guns.
Taiwan’s navy said the corvettes incorporate stealth technology to avoid easy detection and could operate effectively in shallow or coastal waters – areas where larger vessels such as destroyers and frigates find it harder to operate.
