Taiwan launched its largest Missile Warship Tuo Chiang

Taiwan on 23 December 2014 launched its largest ever missile warship named Tuo Chiang. The 500-tonne corvette missile is the first of its kind ever produced by Taiwan.

The ship is scheduled to be deployed in Taiwan waters after further tests in March 2015. The Tuo Chiang’s first captain is Lt. Commander Wang Te-chien.

The ship will boost Taiwan's defence capabilities against China that considers Taiwan as a part of its territory.

The Tuo Chiang’s launch came shortly after US Congress passed a bill authorizing the transfer and sale of up to four Perry-class frigates to Taiwan that were decommissioned by the US Navy.

Highlights of the warship
• Taiwan's Lung Teh Shipbuilding Company started construction of the warship in November 2012 and officially handed it over to the Taiwan Navy in December 2014.
• The warship costs about 66.2 million US dollars and measures about 198 feet long and 46 feet wide. It can carry a crew of 41.
• The ship is armed with 16 missiles including eight supersonic Hsiung-feng III (Brave Wind) anti-ship missiles.
• The sleek twin-hulled ship uses stealth technology to reduce the reflection of radar waves, making it harder to detect.
• The ship has a maximum speed of 38 knots per hour and a range of 2000 nautical miles (3704 kilometres).