Taiwan launches first Min Jiang-class fast minelayer, laid keel for 3rd and 4th ships

The first ship of the class, the Min Jiang during launching ceremonies held on March 2020. Photo c/o Military Leak.

Taiwanese shipbuilder Lung Teh Shipbuilding has launched the first Min Jiang-class fast minelayer for the Republic of China Navy (ROCN).

The ship was launched in Lung Teh Shipbuilding’s facility in Yilan County in March 2020.

Also, the shipbuilder held the keel laying ceremony for the 3rd and 4th ships of the class on 17 April 2020.

The ships are part of the ROC Ministry of Defense’s (MOD) Project Perpetual Victory worth US$24.5 million to build four new fast minelayers . These ships would be used to deny safe access of enemy amphibious and naval forces.

The fast minelayers are 41 meters long, 8.8 meters wide, and displaces at around 347 tons full load. It will have a maximum speed of 14 knots, and a range of 1,200 nautical miles.

They would be equipped with a new indigenous automatic minelaying system, with capacity to lay 100 mines.

The ships are also armed with a T-75 20mm autocannon, and two T74 7.56mm general purpose machine guns for self-defense.

Taiwan has also started development works for a new class of frigate and submarine, in addition to the construction of additional missile corvettes and amphibious assault vessel.


[1] Asian Military Review
[2] Military Leak
[3] Jane’s Defence Weekly