Taiwan Increases Naval Power-Launches New Corvette

By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow

In a strategic move to strengthen maritime security and enhance territorial sovereignty, Taiwan recently launched the Yong Kang CG610, a state-of-the-art 600-ton Anping-class missile corvette. According to Taiwan News, this event, presided over by Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, highlights the island’s commitment to reinforcing its naval capabilities amidst increasing regional tensions, particularly concerning the South China Sea.

The Yong Kang CG610 was constructed by Jong Shyn Shipbuilding (JSS), a key player in Taiwan’s domestic shipbuilding industry. The vessel measures 65.4 meters in length and 14.8 meters in width, with a displacement of 600 tons, allowing for rapid maneuverability and sustained operational endurance in various maritime conditions. Its maximum speed of 44 knots (about 81 kilometers per hour) makes it one of the fastest in its class, ideal for quick response scenarios.

It is part of an ambitious initiative, with the Taiwanese government allocating a substantial NT$42.6 billion (approximately US$1.31 billion) towards the development of 141 Coast Guard ships over a ten-year period (2018–2027). This program not only enhances Taiwan’s defensive posture but also stimulates local industry, creating thousands of jobs and promoting the global competitiveness of Taiwanese shipbuilders.

Vice President Hsiao emphasized the critical nature of these developments against the backdrop of China’s gray zone tactics—unconventional strategies that stop short of outright military action but aim to achieve strategic objectives. Such tactics have necessitated frequent and robust patrols in the Taiwan Strait, a vital waterway that has become a flashpoint in Sino-Taiwanese relations.

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Technical specifications of the Yong Kang reveal a vessel designed for agility and potency. It is armed with advanced weaponry, including the Zhenhai Rock System —a sophisticated suite designed for close-in defense against aerial and surface threats. Additionally, it features a 20mm remote-controlled turret for precision targeting, enhancing its engagement capabilities against both conventional and asymmetric threats. One of the corvette’s most critical assets is its capability to deploy Hsiung Feng anti-ship missiles, providing a potent offensive tool to challenge larger naval vessels and deter aggressive actions in contested waters.