TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Navy has listed a budget of NT$1.8 billion (US$56.49 million) to procure six more rapid mine-laying ships from a Taiwanese manufacturer, reports said Friday (Aug. 30).

The last of four earlier mine-laying vessels budgeted at NT$917.77 million were delivered to the Navy in 2021. The information about the new orders was included in budget documents supplied to the Legislative Yuan on Friday, the Liberty Times reported.

The budget is valid from 2025 to 2027, with NT$780 million to be spent during the first year.

The ships, manufactured by Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co., will help counter amphibious landings by enemy forces, according to the Navy. They could also penetrate enemy defenses to lay mines in enemy harbors and waters.