TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Navy plans to operate a fleet of 10 rapid minelaying ships to boost its nearshore defense.
Four are already in service in the Navy’s 192nd Fleet, Liberty Times reported. Lung-Teh Shipbuilding Corp. is building the remaining six ships, which are expected to be delivered by the end of this year.
A military officer said the new rapid minelaying boats can significantly shorten response times in combat, thanks to an automated minelaying system developed by the National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology, per Liberty Times. The new system is fully digital, allowing a single operator to control mine deployment from a console on the bridge or by remote control.
The system can deploy a range of mines, including the domestically produced Wanxiang Type I and II bottom and moored mines, as well as US-made Mk-6 mines. Once a mine is deployed, the computer instantly records its precise coordinates. This improves accuracy during operations and facilitates safe clearance after a conflict.
Once the fleet is operational, it is expected to deter enemy naval forces from imposing a blockade or launching landings near Taiwan.
