Taiwan adopts non-lethal ammunition to strengthen maritime law enforcement against gray zone tactics.

According to information published by Liberty Times Net on September 28, 2024, Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA) is adopting new measures to improve maritime law enforcement, in response to increasing gray zone tactics employed by Chinese forces, which include frequent incursions into Taiwan's air and maritime zones as well as the deployment of Chinese Coast Guard vessels.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Taiwanese Anping-class offshore patrol vessel. (Picture source: Taiwanese MoD)

Senior government officials have confirmed that the Executive Yuan has approved a three-year pilot program to procure non-lethal ammunition and equipment, aiming to boost enforcement capabilities.

Starting in fiscal year 2025, the program will trial the use of non-lethal munitions, such as high-decibel shock rounds, which will be compatible with the Zhenhai rocket system aboard the CGA’s 600-ton vessels. These vessels are currently equipped with domestically produced 2.75-inch rockets capable of launching high-explosive, armor-piercing, and cluster munitions—powerful weapons deemed unsuitable for standard law enforcement operations in Taiwan's waters. The new non-lethal options, designed to deter rather than destroy, are intended to be safer alternatives during such operations.

According to military sources, these shock rounds will emit a loud noise upon detonation, creating a psychological deterrent. Taiwan's National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology will work with the CGA to produce and supply these rounds according to the approved annual plan.

The project has an allocated budget of NT$86.24 million (approximately USD 2.7 million) and is scheduled to be implemented over the next three years. Besides shock rounds, the procurement plan also includes 40mm flashbangs, single-shot 40mm grenade launchers, and other non-lethal firearms. Depending on the results of the trial, the program may be expanded in future years.

The Zhenhai rocket system, developed by Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute, is a remotely controlled weapon platform with six launchers capable of firing various 2.75-inch rockets with an effective range of up to 5 kilometers and a maximum range of 10 kilometers. Currently, the system is configured to launch high-explosive, armor-piercing, cluster munitions, and flares for search and rescue operations.

About the Anping class

The Anping-class offshore patrol vessels have a displacement of 750 tons and measure 65.4 meters in overall length, with a waterline length of 60.7 meters. The vessels have a beam of 14.8 meters and a draft of 2.1 meters. Powered by two MTU 20V4000M93L engines driving four Hamilton HT900 waterjet propulsion systems, the ships produce a total output of 8,600 kW. Electrical power is provided by two MTU 16V4000M93L generators and an emergency generator, delivering a total output of 6,880 kW.

These patrol vessels are capable of reaching a maximum speed of 44.5 knots and have a range of 3,250 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots. They carry a crew of 30 personnel and are equipped with two electro-optical fire control systems, as well as X-band and S-band navigation radars. The vessels are also fitted with a FLIR SeaFLIR 280-HD infrared camera for surveillance.