Taiwan Navy commissions 2 new Tuo Chiang class corvettes.

According to information published by FTV News on March 26, 2024, President Tsai Ing-wen personally oversaw the commissioning ceremony of the last two ships of the first batch of Tuo Chiang-class corvettes, named "An Jiang" and "Wan Chiang".
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Tuo Chiang class corvette An Chiang. (Picture source: Taiwanese presidency)

The Tuo Chiang-class corvettes are designed specifically for asymmetrical warfare against larger adversaries, notably the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China. These vessels are equipped to engage in a David vs Goliath scenario, utilizing advanced technology and weaponry to counter larger and potentially more powerful naval forces. 

About the Tuo Chiang class corvettes

The vessel exhibits a displacement of 567 tonnes at full load, which is increased to 732 tonnes with an improved hull design. Measuring 60.4 meters in length when on cushion and extending to 65 meters with the improved hull, the ship maintains a consistent beam width of 14 meters, which is slightly enlarged to 14.8 meters post-improvements.

The draught sees a reduction from 2.3 meters to 2.1 meters in the improved hull variant. Powered by two MTU 20V 4000 M93L diesel engines rated at 4,300 kW (5,800 hp) and equipped with 4 MJP CSU 850 waterjets, the enhanced version benefits from an additional two engines and waterjets, underscoring a significant boost in propulsion capabilities. This naval craft achieves a top speed of 45 knots fully armed, accommodating a crew of 41.

In terms of sensory and processing systems, the vessel is equipped with navigational radar and a suite of surface search and fire control radars including the CS/SPG-6N(S) for the Tuo Chiang, the CS/SPG-6N(T), and the advanced CS/MPQ-90 Sea Bee Eye AESA type radar for the Ta Chiang onwards, complemented by the STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 fire control radar and variable depth sonar. The electronic warfare and decoy suite include 12 counter-IR/RF chaff dispensers strategically placed at the bow and stern.

The ship's armament is robust, with the Tuo Chiang equipped with eight Hsiung Feng II and III missiles, one Otobreda 76 mm gun, one Phalanx CIWS, two 12.7 mm Browning M2HB machine guns, and two Mark 32 triple torpedo launchers.

Subsequent models, from Flight I onwards, see an enhanced arsenal with 16 TC-2N missiles, adjustments in the Hsiung Feng missile configurations, and similar heavy weaponry. The Flight II version introduces an option between the Phalanx CIWS and a Sea Oryx missile system.