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Navy showcases locally made landing platform dock in Kaohsiung

ROC Central News Agency

01/12/2023 10:09 PM

Kaohsiung, Jan. 12 (CNA) Taiwan's Navy provided a demonstration of its Yushan landing platform dock's (LPD) ability to transport Hsiung Feng II (HF-2) long-range missile batteries and other armed personnel and utility carriers in Kaohsiung Thursday.

An S-70C anti-submarine helicopter also performed a landing and takeoff drill from the ship's helo deck, in the training demonstration opened to the media at Zuoying naval base.

During the demonstration, the 10,600-ton amphibious multi-mission vessel (hull no. LPD-1401) transported landing-craft-mechanized (LCM), landing-craft-utility (LCU), and AAV-7 amphibious assault vehicles.

According to the Navy, one of the major highlights at the event was the HF-2 batteries being loaded into the ship via the LCU on shore.

A military officer who asked to remain anonymous said that the military was constantly developing its asymmetric warfare capabilities, including the deployment of missiles and other related equipment.

Using the Yushan LPD, missiles such as the long-range HF-2 batteries can be deployed anywhere around Taiwan and its offshore islands, enhancing the military's combat effectiveness, the officer said.

Measuring 153 meters in length and with a beam of 23 meters, the vessel can sail at a maximum speed of 21 knots and is able to carry up to 673 military personnel, according to the Navy.

In addition, the Navy said the ship could be fitted with an MK-75 76mm gun, two MK-15 Phalanx close-in weapons systems, and two TC-2N missile systems, in addition to accommodating military helicopters in its two hangars.

The Navy did not disclose when the Yushan LPD will officially enter service, as it is currently still undergoing extensive trials.

The Yushan LPD was manufactured by CSBC Corp., Taiwan, and will be responsible for transporting supplies and personnel to the country's offshore islands and be dispatched for humanitarian assistance tasks in case of emergency, the Navy said.

According to the military, it will replace the existing Hsu Hai dock landing ship, which first entered service with the U.S. Navy as the USS Pensacola in 1971, before being transferred to Taiwan in 1999.

(By Matt Yu and Ko Lin)

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