• Military

• WMD Menu                           

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Taiwan domestic 600-ton frigate project 50 percent complete: OAC

ROC Central News Agency

05/15/2023 10:09 PM

Kaohsiung, May 15 (CNA) A Coast Guard Administration (CGA) project to build 600-ton frigates domestically for the Coast Guard fleet has achieved 50 percent of its goal as of Monday, Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) head Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) said.

Kuan gave the update at her first ship delivery ceremony Monday, when Taiwan's Coast Guard took delivery of its sixth 600-ton Anping-class offshore frigate, the Ji'an (CG607), and its 25th 35-ton patrol boat (PP-3512) built by Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Co.

The 600-ton frigate is part of a program launched in 2018 to supply the Coast Guard with 141 vessels of various tonnages by 2027 through government funding exceeding NT$42.6 billion (US$1.38 billion).

Twelve of the 600-ton vessels were ordered, and the delivery of the Ji'an on Monday meant that half of the 600-ton frigates ordered had been completed.

According to the CGA, the Ji'an has self-righting capabilities and can conduct maritime rescue missions and inspections of fishing boats as well as drive away suspicious vessels. It is equipped with a rocket launching system and a remote-controlled 20mm cannon gun.

Alongside the two ships, the event also celebrated the ceremonial launching of the CGA's seventh 600-ton frigate (CG609), which was christened as the Wanli on Monday.

The CGA said the Ji'an and the Wanli are part of the Coast Guard's 600-ton Anping-class offshore patrol fleet, meaning they were both modeled after the Navy's Tuo Chiang-class corvettes.

As such, both vessels are also equipped with a water cannon with a range of 120 meters, can reach speeds of up to 44 knots, and can withstand up to Force 9 winds on the Beaufort Wind Scale.

The OAC said the Ji'an will soon be deployed in eastern Taiwan to protect Taiwan's maritime rights and the interests of local fishermen, while the Wanli will join the fleet in the north after it is ready for delivery.

Meanwhile, the new 35-ton patrol boat, with a maximum speed of 45 knots and a water cannon with a 60-meter range, will enter service in Taichung.

(By Lin Chiao-lien and James Lo)

Enditem/ls