TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Marine Corps plans to purchase 47 rubber inflatable boats over the next three years.

The Navy Command will allocate NT$104.2 million (US$3.31 million) to acquire the boats, along with 94 outboard motors, 47 sets of airdrop hoisting equipment, and 47 navigation systems, according to Liberty Times. The new inflatables will strengthen capabilities in disaster rescue, beach surveys, ship-to-shore transport, and security missions. 

The boats must have an exterior length of at least 4.6 meters, an interior length of at least 3.2 meters, and a weight of less than 150 kg when empty. They must be primarily made of polyester or nylon fiber.

Additionally, they must reach a speed of at least 46 kph when carrying two personnel, and at least 37 kph with eight personnel. The boats must also be inflated within three minutes and be capable of withstanding conditions below a four on the Beaufort scale.

Marines currently operate combat rubber reconnaissance craft for combat missions, per Liberty Times. In 2021, Taiwan unveiled the domestically developed M109 special operation assault boat. It was designed to counter ship hijackings, remove obstacles at sea, and conduct beach landing operations.