Wikipedia

Republic of China Navy

(Redirected from Taiwan Navy)
Not to be confused with People's Liberation Army Navy, the naval forces of the People's Republic of China.

The Republic of China Navy (ROCN; historically as the Chinese Navy or ROC Navy, colloquially the Taiwanese Navy) is the maritime branch of the Republic of China Armed Forces (ROCAF).[5][6]

Republic of China Navy
Emblem of the Republic of China Navy
Founded
  • 1924; 100 years ago (1924)
Country Republic of China (Taiwan)
TypeNavy
RoleMaritime warfare
Size40,000 active personnel (2023)[1]
67,000 reservists (2023)[1]
167 ships (2023)[2]
24 aircraft (2023)[3]
Part ofRepublic of China Armed Forces
Colors  White
  Blue
  Red
March新海軍
("The New Navy")
Fleet
Websitenavy.mnd.gov.tw/index.aspx (in Chinese)
Commanders
Commander of the Navy Admiral Tang Hua[4]
Deputy Commanding-General Vice Admiral Ao Yizhi[4]
Master Chief Petty OfficerChief Petty Officer First Class Weng Linjun[4]
Insignia
Ensign
Jack
Commissioning pennant
Unit colour
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese中華民國海軍
Simplified Chinese中华民国海军
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinZhōnghuá Mínguó Hǎijūn
Bopomofoㄓㄨㄥ ㄏㄨㄚˊ ㄇㄧㄣˊ ㄍㄨㄛˊ ㄏㄞˇ ㄐㄩㄣ
Wade–GilesChunghua Minkuo Haichün
Tongyong PinyinJhōnghuá Mínguó Hǎijyūn
Hakka
RomanizationChûng-fà Mìn-koet Hói-kiûn
Southern Min
Tâi-lôTiong-huâ Bîn-kok Hái-kun
Chinese Navy
Traditional Chinese中國海軍
Simplified Chinese中国海军
Literal meaningChina Navy
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinZhōngguó Hǎijūn
Wade–GilesChungkuo Haichün

The service was formerly commonly just called the Chinese Navy during World War II and prior to the ROC's retreat from the mainland.[7] While still sometimes used especially in domestic circles, it is now not as often used internationally due to the current ambiguous political status of Taiwan and to avoid confusion with the People's Liberation Army Navy of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Today, the ROC Navy's primary mission is to defend the ROC's remaining territories and the sea lanes under its jurisdiction against any possible blockades, attacks, or invasion. Operations include maritime patrols in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, as well as readiness for counter-strike and counter-invasion operations during wartime. The Republic of China Marine Corps (ROCMC) also functions as a branch of the Navy.

The ship prefix for ROCN combatants is ROCS (Republic of China Ship); an older usage is CNS (Chinese Navy Ship).

Organization

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Republic of China Navy Command Headquarters

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Admiral Liu Chih-pin, the Commanding-General from 2020 to 2022
 
 
Vice Admiral Hu Zhan-Hao, and Tang Hua, the two current Deputy Commanding-General.

The Navy CHQs (中華民國國防部海軍司令部) is subordinate to the General Staff, the Minister of Defense, and the ROC President.

  • Internal units: Personnel, Combat Readiness & Training, Logistics, Planning, Combat Systems, General Affairs, Comptroller, Inspector General, Political Warfare.
  • Naval Fleets Command (艦隊指揮部)
  • 124th Fleet: Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City
  • 131st Fleet: Keelung City, Taiwan
  • 146th Fleet: Magong City, Penghu County, Taiwan
  • Amphibious Fleet (151st Fleet), Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City
  • 168th Fleet: Suao, Yilan County, Taiwan
  • 192nd Fleet (Navy Minesweeper Fleet): Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City
  • 256th Submarine Squadron: Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City
  • 261st Squadron
  • Hai Chiao(Sea Dragon) PGMG Guided Missile Boat/Craft Group (海蛟大隊)
1st Hai Chiao Guided Missile Boat/Craft Squadron of 10 Kuang Hua VI-class missile boat at Suao naval base
2nd Hai Chiao Guided Missile Boat/Craft Squadron of 10 Kuang Hua VI-class missile boat
3rd Hai Chiao Guided Missile Boat/Craft Squadron of 10 Hai Ou-class missile boat (Dvora class)
4th Hai Chiao Guided Missile Boat/Craft Squadron of 10 Hai Ou-class missile boat (Dvora class)
5th Hai Chiao Guided Missile Boat/Craft Squadron of 11 Kuang Hua VI-class missile boat[8][9]
  • Hai Feng Shore Based Anti-ship Missile Group (海鋒大隊), operates 6 batteries of fixed/mobile HF-2 anti-ship missiles.
  • 7th Hai Feng Shore Based Anti-ship Missile Squadron (海鋒大隊第七中隊), Haulien, Eastern Taiwan.[10][11][12]
  • Naval Aviation, at Pingtung, will receive 12 P-3C 2013/2014.
  • 1st ASW Aviation Group
  • 133rd Squadron: S-2T, at Pingtung.
  • 134th Squadron: S-2T, at Pingtung.
  • 2nd ASW Aviation Group
  • 701st Helicopter Squadron (Light), S-70C(M)-1, at Hualien.
  • 702nd Helicopter Squadron (Light), S-70C(M)-2, at Tsoying.
  • 501st Helicopter Squadron (Light), 500MD ASW, at Tsoying.
  • Maintenance Group
  • 1st Maintenance Squadron (Pingtung)
  • 2nd Maintenance Squadron (Tsoying)
  • 3rd Maintenance Squadron (Hualien)
  • Marine Corps Command (陸戰隊指揮部)
  • Education, Training and Doctrine Command (教育訓練暨準則發展司令部)
  • Logistics Command (後勤司令部)
  • Naval Academy, Hydrographic & Oceanographic Bureau, Shipbuilding Development Center, Communication Systems, General Service.

Sources:[13][14]

History

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1912–1949

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See also: Naval history of China

The Republic of China Navy was established after the 1911 Revolution, during which several Qing dynasty warships changed sides to support the revolutionaries. The commander of one of those ships, Huang Zhongying, became the first Minister of the Navy of the Republic of China. Several naval expansion programs were proposed during the first decade of the republic, but none of them were carried out because of a lack of funding, the outbreak of World War I, and the chaos of the Warlord Era in China. The cruisers that had been acquired by the Qing dynasty between the 1870s and the 1900s remained the main ships of the Chinese fleet through the 1930s.[15] During this time the ROC Navy consisted of three fleets: the Central, Northeast, and Guangdong fleets, and its command structure was divided because of the warlordism in the country.[16] When Sun Yat-sen established his government in 1917 in Guangzhou he was supported by the Navy admirals Cheng Biguang and Lin Baoyi,[17] and when Chiang Kai-shek began his Northern Expedition in 1926 another admiral, Yang Shuzhuang, led part of the Beiyang Fleet to defect to his forces.[18][19]

After the success of the Northern Expedition Chiang Kai-shek wanted to expand the navy but these plans were also not implemented.[20] By this point the main purpose of the ROCN was coastal and river defense, and the main focus of the fleet was the Yangtze river, which could be used by large ocean-going ships to go several hundred miles into China.[21] By the late 1930s the ROCN was not comparable to the Imperial Japanese Navy, and its cruisers were lost at the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937. They were either sunk by Japanese aircraft or scuttled by their crews to use as blockships in the Yangtze. Most of the Chinese navy was destroyed early on and in 1940 the Ministry of the Navy was disbanded by Chiang Kai-shek.[16]

Following World War II, a number of Japanese destroyers and decommissioned U.S. ships were transferred to the ROC Navy. During the Chinese Civil War, the ROCN was involved in the protection of supply convoys and the withdrawal of the ROC Government and over 1 million refugees to Taiwan in 1949. The subsequent reorganization and reestablishment of the Navy after evacuation to Taiwan is referenced in the lyrics of the post 1949 ROC Navy Song "The New Navy" (新海軍).

1945–present

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See also: History of Taiwan (1945–present)

In 1895, the island of Taiwan was placed under Japanese rule, with the Imperial Japanese Navy responsible for defending the waters of Taiwan and Penghu. After World War II, on 25 October 1945, the jurisdiction of Taiwan and Penghu was transferred to the Republic of China and the ROCN began its operation in that territory.

Following the relocation of the ROC government to Taiwan, the ROCN was involved in a number of commando attack escorts, evacuation and transport of more displaced soldiers and later to provide patrols and resupply operations to Kinmen and Matsu in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea offshore islands.

Since the 1990s the Navy has grown in importance as the emphasis of the ROC's military doctrine moves towards countering a possible People's Republic of China (PRC) blockade, as well as offshore engagement. As of 2004 the ROCN had been working hard to expand its capability in electronic and anti-submarine warfare, as well as the replacement of antiquated warships and support vessels.[13] While for many years the ROCN operated hand me down and foreign designed vessels in recent years they have been operating a higher number of indigenous platforms, sensors, and weapons much of it made by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology.[22]

 
President of Republic of China (Taiwan) Tsai Ing-wen reviews a Marine Corps battalion in 2020

In 2018 Lungteh Shipbuilding was awarded a contract to produce eleven Tuo Chiang Block II corvettes and four minelayers for the Taiwanese Navy.[23]

In April 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic the ROCN cut short their semi-annual goodwill mission to Central and South America. The flotilla consisting of two frigates and a supply vessel was subject to 30 days of quarantine after returning to Taiwan.[24]

In April 2020 Taiwanese boatbuilder Karmin International Co., Ltd. won a NT$450-million (US$14.9-million) contract to supply the Republic of China Navy with eighteen special operations watercraft and eight RIB tenders, the latter for the Cheng Kung-class frigates. Delivery is scheduled for June 2022. The contract covered only the watercraft themselves with their machine guns, infrared equipment, and boarding ladders sourced separately.[25]

Rank and rating insignia

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Main article: Republic of China Armed Forces rank insignia

Officer ranks

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Rank group General/flag officers Senior officers Junior officers
  Republic of China Navy[26]
                            
一級上將
It-kip siōng-chiòng 		二級上將
Jī-kip siōng-chiòng 		中將
Tiong-chiòng 		少將
Siáu-chiòng 		上校
Siōng-hāu 		中校
Tiong-hāu 		少校
Siáu-hāu 		上尉
Siōng-ùi 		中尉
Tiong-ùi 		少尉
Siáu-ùi

Other ranks

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Rank group Senior NCOs Junior NCOs Enlisted
  Republic of China Navy[26]
                  
一等士官長
Yīděng shìguānzhǎng 		二等士官長
Èrděng shìguānzhǎng 		三等士官長
Sānděng shìguānzhǎng 		上士
Shàngshì 		中士
Zhōngshì 		下士
Xiàshì 		上等兵
Shàngděngbīng 		一等兵
Yīděngbīng 		二等兵
Èrděngbīng

Equipment

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For a more comprehensive list, see List of ships of the Republic of China Navy.

Traditionally, most ROCN equipment has been purchased from the United States. The ships themselves have often been older, second-hand vessels without the newest technology. More recently, however, 1990's several ships have been built domestically under licence or through domestic development. The ROCN has also purchased La Fayette-class frigates from France and Zwaardvis-class submarines from the Netherlands as well as four U.S. Kidd-class (renamed Keelung) destroyers originally intended for Iran. Despite the ROCN refurbishing and extending the service life of its vessels and equipment, it has suffered from procurement difficulties due to pressures exerted by the PRC.

On 12 September 2007, an arms notification was sent to the United States Congress concerning an order for 12 P-3C Orion patrol aircraft and 3 "spare aircraft", along with an order for 144 SM-2 Block IIIA surface-to-air missiles.[27] A contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin to refurbish the 12 P-3C Orion aircraft for the ROC on 13 March 2009, with deliveries to start in 2012.[28]

In 2008, the ROCN set out to acquire an improved anti-ship capability. On 26 August, an arms notification was sent to Congress for an order for 60 air-launched Harpoon Block II missiles for the 12 P-3Cs.[29] At least a portion of these missiles will be installed on the navy's Hai Lung-class submarines.

On 29 January 2010, the U.S. government announced five notifications to the U.S. Congress for arms sales to the ROC. In the contracts total US$6.392 billion, ROC Navy would get 2 Osprey-class minehunters for US$105 million, 25 Link 16 terminals on ships for US$340 million, 10 ship- and 2 air-launched Harpoon L/II for US$37 million.[30][31]

The ROC Navy already has 95 older Harpoon missiles in its inventory for the 8 Knox-class frigates, 22 newer RGM-84L for the 4 Kidd-class destroyers, 32 sub-launched Harpoon II on order for the 2 Hai Lung-class submarines, and with 60 air-launched Harpoon Block II anti-ship missile on order for the 12 P-3Cs, plus the newly announced 10 ship-launched and 2 air-launched Harpoon II/L sales.[32]

On 31 August 2010, it was announced for the next year's defense budget, ROCN planned to lease one or two more Newport-class tank landing ships (LST) from the United States, but the 900-ton stealth corvette plan was put on hold, due to lack of funds.[33] That same year, On 29 September, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution, authorizing the U.S. Government for the sale of one more Osprey-class minehunter to the ROC.[34]

Other ongoing local upgrade programs include locally designed and built Ching Chiang class of 12 patrol ships. Since 2006, seven ships of this class were upgraded to carry four HF-2/3 with W-160 fire control radar from Wu Chin III program (as well as Honeywell H-930 MCS CDS stripped from seven retired Yang-class Wu Chin 3 anti-air warfare destroyers). In 2010 more ships of this class were undergoing this same upgrade program but using CSIST produced fire control radars instead.

 
USS Taylor in 2014

On 29 December 2010, two LSTs (中肇、中治戰車登陸艦) and four remaining of Adjutant-class coastal minehunters were retired.[35]

In 2011, the navy retired several vessels. On 31 October, all eight PCL in the 124th Fleet were retired.[36] On 28 December, the two Lung Jiang-class (PSMM Mk5) guided missile patrol boats (PGG 601 and PPG 602) of the 131st Fleet were retired from ROC Navy service, after entering service in 1978 and 1981 respectively.[37]

In June 2018, two Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates of the US Navy, ex-USS Taylor and ex-USS Gary, were handed over to the Government of Taiwan for the Republic of China Navy. The transfer cost was an estimated US$177 million. The transfer of the ships includes the advanced AN/SQR-19 Multi-Function Towed array sonar. Taiwan had previously been blocked from acquiring the AN/SQR-19, and the transfer of the system points to an anti-submarine focus in line with the Knox-class frigates they will likely replace.[38]

The keel of a new rescue and salvage ship was laid in March 2022.[39]

Future Light Frigates

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The ROC Navy has started construction on 12 new domestically built light frigates for the Taiwanese Navy. These vessels are in the 2500 ton weight class and will have two configurations, an anti-aircraft warfare (AAW) version and an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) version. Both variants will be equipped with an OTO Melera 76mm gun with programmable ammunition and a close-in weapons system (CIWS), either a Phalanx 20mm gun system or the indigenous Sea Oryx. The AAW variant will have a 32 cell VLS for TC-2N missiles while the ASW will have two box launchers for 16 TC-2N missiles. The AAW variant will have 8 anti-ship cruise missile launchers, each able to fit either a single HF-2 or HF-3, while the ASW variant will have 16 launchers. The ASW variant is the only variant that will be fitted with Mk 32 light torpedo launchers and a towed variable depth sonar. The frigates will have a BAE System's Artisan radar, Lockheed Martin Canada's CMS-330 combat management system, and either Rolls Royce MT30 or General Electric LM2500 engines for propulsion. The new frigates are intended to become the workhorse of the ROC Navy, replacing the larger OHP and La Fayette class frigates in patrol duties.[40]

Indigenous "Landing Platform Dock" / Amphibious Assault Ship

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Main article: Yushan-class landing platform dock
 
LPD-1401 Yushan

In September 2018, Taiwan confirmed a contract for the first amphibious assault ship built in Taiwan. It will be built by CSBC Corporation, a local shipyard. Four are planned, with the first to enter service around 2021. It will be roughly similar to the US Navy's San Antonio-class, but with a slightly smaller displacement. Support features include a full hospital, well deck, full aviation facilities, storage for wheeled vehicles, and dedicated accommodations for a full battalion of Marines.[41] The vessel design will be armed with a 76 mm naval gun in the primary position, a close-in weapon system (CIWS) turret, two 12.7 mm machine gun positions in the forward section, and launchers that can deploy the Hsiung Feng II and III family of anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles.[42][43][44] The primary sensor is expected to be a naval version of the indigenous CS/MPQ-90 Bee Eye AESA radar.[45]

Fleet Air Defense Upgrade / Hsun Lien Project

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The ROC Navy currently lacks a modern fleet defense system. Keelung class destroyers currently use obsolete Mark 26 missile launchers designed from the 1970s and does not currently have a modern centralized air defense combat system like the Aegis.[46][47] Past US administrations rejected the sale of Aegis radar system and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, including George W. Bush in 2001. Under the George W. Bush administration, the US instead sold Taiwan four Kidd-class destroyers, which did not carry the Aegis and were no longer in service in the US Navy at the time.[48][49][50] However, in January 2019, the US government delivered two sets of Mk 41 VLS to Taiwan. The ROC government plans to integrate the MK41 VLS and locally developed Tien-Kung III (Sky Bow III) with its indigenously developed Hsun Lien naval combat system, which is similar to Aegis, to upgrade its ship air defense capabilities.[51][52] Taiwan has acquired the license and technology to produce additional MK 41 VLS launchers. The ROC Navy currently as of 2019 possesses at least 14 warships compatible with the Mk41.[53] In November 2019 it was reported that the decommissioned amphibious landing ship Kao Hsiung (LCC-1) was being used as a test ship for the Hsun Lien naval combat system project and had been fitted with a large phased array radar system and the Mark 41 Vertical Launching System.[54] In January 2020, it is reported the Tien-Kung III (Sky Bow III) is successfully fired from the Mark 41 Vertical Launching System.[55][56] In August 2023, it was reported the domestically developed Hua Yang vertical missile launch system (VLS) has passed tests and will be installed on new naval ships in the future.[57] In 2022, it was reported as a short term solution the ROC Navy will upgrade their Kang Ding-class (La Fayette class) with 32-cell VLS integrated with their domestically developed Aegis-like system with the assistance of a retired French Navy officer. The VLS will have TC-2N surface-to-air missiles, a large upgrade over the existing RIM-72C Sea Chaparral, though it will lack the air defense range of its Keelung Class destroyer with their SM-2 Block IIIA missiles.[58]

Hai Kun-class submarine (formerly: Indigenous Defense Submarine Program)

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Main article: Hai Kun-class submarine

In November 2020, President Tsai Ing-wen opened the submarine construction facility in Kaohsiung with plans to build eight submarines. Construction was to begin with a prototype boat which was to be built over 78 months. The first boat is scheduled to enter service in 2025.[59][60] Between December 2020 and February 2021, the United States reportedly approved the export of three key systems to Taiwan for the program: digital sonar systems, integrated combat systems and auxiliary equipment systems (periscopes).[61]

In 2023, Taiwan revealed its first domestically designed and built submarine, the Hai Kun.[62] The submarine was moved onto a floating dry dock and then launched off the CSBC shipyard in Kaoshiung on February 26, 2024.[63]

Surface fleet

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Destroyers (4 in service)

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Class Picture Type Ships Displacement[a] Note
Kee Lung-class     United States / destroyer ROCS Kee Lung (DDG-1801)
ROCS Su Ao (DDG-1802)
ROCS Tso Ying (DDG-1803)
ROCS Ma Kong (DDG-1805) 		9,574 tonnes Formerly Kidd-class destroyer in US Service built in 1978. Originally built for the Imperial Iranian Navy.

Frigates (22 in service)

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Class Picture Type Ships Displacement[a] Note
Cheng Kung-class     Republic of China &   United States / frigate ROCS Cheng Kung (PFG2-1101)
ROCS Cheng Ho (PFG2-1103)
ROCS Chi Kuang (PFG2-1105)
ROCS Yueh Fei (PFG2-1106)
ROCS Tzu I (PFG2-1107)
ROCS Pan Chao (PFG2-1108)
ROCS Chang Chien (PFG2-1109)
ROCS Tian Dan (PFG2-1110)
ROCS Ming Chuan (PFG-1112)
ROCS Feng Jia (PFG-1115) 		4,105 tonnes Eight licensed ships based on US Oliver Hazard Perry class built. Two additional ex-US Navy ships (ROCS Ming Chuan & ROCS Feng Jia )

purchased[64][65]

Kang Ding-class     France / frigate ROCS Kang Ding (PFG-1202)
ROCS Si Ning (PFG-1203)
ROCS Kun Ming (PFG-1205)
ROCS Di Hua (PFG-1206)
ROCS Wu Chang (PFG-1207)
ROCS Chen De (PFG-1208) 		3,600 tonnes French-built La Fayette class
Chi Yang-class     United States / frigate ROCS Fong Yang (FF-933)
ROCS Fen Yang (FFG-934)
ROCS Lan Yang (FFG-935)
ROCS Hwai Yang (FFG-937)
ROCS Ning Yang (FFG-938)
ROCS Yi Yang (FFG-939) 		4,260 tonnes Ex-Knox class

Corvettes (11 in service; 4 in building)

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Class Picture Type Ships Displacement[a] Note
Ching Chiang-class     Republic of China / patrol ship / corvette ROCS Kao Chiang (PG-609)
ROCS Jin Chiang (PG-610)
ROCS Hsiang Chiang (PG-611)
ROCS Po Chiang (PG-614)
ROCS Chang Chiang (PG-615)
ROCS Chu Chiang (PG-617) 		500 tonnes Delivery began 1999-2000
Tuo Chiang-class     Republic of China / corvette ROCS Tuo Chiang (PGG-618)
ROCS Ta Chiang (PGG-619)
ROCS Fu Chiang (PGG-620)
ROCS Hsu Chiang (PGG-621)
ROCS Wu Chiang (PGG-623) 		600 tonnes Lead ship delivered in March 2014.[66]

Fast attack missile craft (31 in service)

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Class Picture Type Ships Displacement[a] Note
Kuang Hua VI-class     Republic of China /
missile boat 		FACG-60~66
FACG-68~75
FACG-77~84
FACG-86~93 		186.5 tonnes Delivery began 2003

Mine warfare vessels (11 in service)

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Class Picture Type Ships Displacement[a] Note
Yung Feng-class     Germany / minesweeper ROCS Yung Feng (MHC-1301)
ROCS Yung Chia (MHC-1302)
ROCS Yung Nien (MHC-1303)
ROCS Yung Shun (MHC-1305) 		558.3 tonnes MWW-50 class, built anew in Germany in early 1990s[67]
Yung Yang-class     United States / minesweeper ROCS Yung Yang (MSO-1306) 735 tonnes ex-Aggressive class. 1 vessel still in active commission (ROCS Yung Tzu (MSO-1307)
ROCS Yung Ku (MSO-1308)
ROCS Yung Teh (MSO-1309) have been decommissioned.)
Yung Jin-class     United States / minesweeper ROCS Yung Jin (MHC-1310)
ROCS Yung An (MHC-1311) 		893 tonnes ex-Osprey class
Min Jiang-class     Taiwan / minelayer FMLB-1
FMLB-2
FMLB-3
FMLB-5 		347 tons Built in Taiwan by Lung Teh Shipbuilding, 2020-2021[68]

Amphibious ships (9 in service)

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Class Picture Type Ships Displacement[a] Note
Newport class     United States /
tank landing ship 		ROCS Chung Ho (LST-232)
ROCS Chung Ping (LST-233) 		8,450 tonnes ex-USN USS Manitowoc (LST-1180) and USS Sumter (LST-1181)
Chung Hai-class     United States /
tank landing ship 		ROCS Chung Chien (LST-205)
ROCS Chung Chie (LST-218)
ROCS Chung Ming (LST-227)
ROCS Chung Yeh (LST-231) 		4,080 tonnes Landing Ship, Tank (LST-1)
Kaohsiung-class     United States /
amphibious command ship 		ROCS Kao Hsiung (AGC-1) 3,698 tonnes ex-USS Dukes County (LST-735), an LST-542-class tank landing ship
Hsu Hai-class     United States /
dock landing ship 		ROCS Hsu Hai (LSD-193) 13,700 tonnes ex-USS Pensacola (LSD-38), an Anchorage-class dock landing ship
Yushan-class     Republic of China /
Amphibious transport dock 		ROCS Yus han (LPD-1401) 10,600 tonnes

Submarine fleet

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Submarines (4 in service; 1 undergoing trials)

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Class Picture Type Boats Displacement[a] Note
Chien Lung-class     Netherlands /
Diesel-electric submarine 		ROCS Hai Lung (SS-793)
ROCS Hai Hu (SS-794) 		2,660 tonnes Based on Zwaardvis-class submarine. These are also known by the lead ship's name as the Hai Lung-class.
Hai Shih-class
(Tench-class) 		    United States /
Diesel-electric submarine 		ROCS Hai Shih (SS-791) (ex-USS Cutlass)
ROCS Hai Bao (SS-792) (ex-USS Tusk) 		2,420 tonnes Used primarily for training. World's oldest longest-serving submarines.[69] Has two (one for each submarine) of the three remaining working Arma gyrocompass in the world.[70] Expected to be retired after construction of IDS project boats.
Hai Kun-class     Republic of China /
Diesel-electric submarine 		ROCS Hai Kun (SS-711) 2,500 tonnes First domestically developed submarine.[62] Launched on February 26, 2024.[63]

Auxiliary fleet

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Auxiliary ships (8 in service)

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Class Picture Type Boats Displacement[a] Note
Pan Shi-class     Republic of China /
fast combat support ship 		ROCS Pan Shi (AOE-532) 20,895 tonnes AOE-532
Wu Yi-class     Republic of China /
fast combat support ship 		ROCS Wu Yi (AOE-530) 17,000 tonnes AOE-530
Ta Kuan-class     Italy / research ship ROCS Ta Kuan (AGS-1601) 3,200 tonnes Oceanographic measurement
Ta Hu-class (Diver-class)     United States /
rescue and salvage ship 		ROCS Da Hu (ARS-552) (ex-USS Grapple)
ROCS Da Juen (ARS-556) (ex-USS Recovery) 		1,975 tonnes Expected to be retired after the construction of the An-hai Project
Ta Tung-class (Cherokee-class)     United States / fleet tug ROCS Ta Wan (ATF-551) (ex-USS Apache)
ROCS Da Gang (ATF-554) (ex-USS Achomawi) 		1,680 tonnes Consisted of ex-USN Navajo-class and Abnaki-class tugboat. Expected to be retired after the construction of the An-Hai Project
Da Wu-class   Republic of China /
rescue and salvage ship 		ROCS Da Wu (ARS-571) 3,250 tonnes AOE-532

Aircraft

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Main article: Republic of China Naval Aviation Command

Fixed-wing

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Name Origin Type Variant In service[citation needed] Notes
Lockheed P-3 Orion   United States Maritime patrol P-3C 12 Re-built ex-US Navy aircraft and replaced ROCN Grumman S-2 Trackers
Lockheed EP-3 ARIES   United States Signals reconnaissance EP-3E 3 Spare P-3C airframes acquired for future conversion to EP-3E Aries I of II platform
NCSIST Albatross   Republic of China Reconnaissance UAV 26 In service as of 2019[71]
NCSIST Cardinal Republic of China Reconnaissance UAV Cardinal II 54 six units (54 aircraft) acquired in 2016[72]

Helicopters

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Name Origin Type Variant In service Notes
Sikorsky S-70   United States Search and rescue / Anti-submarine warfare S-70C(M)-1/2 Thunderhawk 18[73] To be replaced
McDonnell Douglas MD 500 Defender   United States Anti-submarine warfare 500MD/ASW Defender 7[73] Out of original 13 ordered

Armament

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Surface-to-air missiles

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Name Origin Type Notes
Sky Sword I   Republic of China Short-range Shipboard deployment with Sea Oryx system.
Sky Sword II   Republic of China Medium-range Unknown number of TC-2N, to be fielded on Tuo Chiang Block II corvettes and retrofitted on the Kang Ding-class frigates.[41]
RIM-66 SM-1MR   United States Medium-range 97 RIM-66B Standard-1MR delivered in 1993, 207 RIM-66B Standard-1MR delivered in 1994, 204 RIM-66B Standard-1MR delivered in 2001[74]
RIM-66 SM-2MR   United States Medium-long range 148 Standard Missile-2MR delivered in 2005, 144 Standard Missile-2MR delivered in 2008, 16 Standard Missile-2MR ordered in 2017[74]
RIM-72C Sea Chaparral   United States Short-range Deployed on some domestic warships as well as La Fayette Frigates. To be replaced.[75]

Anti-ship missiles

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Name Origin Type Notes
AGM-84 Harpoon   United States Subsonic (183) AGM-84s – (60) 84Ls[74]
Hsiung Feng II   Republic of China Subsonic Unknown, in mass production with secondary ground attack capability[76]
Hsiung Feng III   Republic of China Supersonic Unknown, in mass production with secondary ground attack capability

CIWS

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Name Origin Type Notes
Phalanx CIWS   United States Gun System 20mm, 7 Mk-15 delivered in 1989, 6 Mk-15 delivered in 1996, 1 Mk15 delivered in 2014, 13 Mk15 delivered in 2016, 11 Mk15 delivered in 2018[74]
Sea Oryx   Taiwan Missile System Short-range missile defence system available in a 24-round launcher using off-board sensors, or an autonomous 12-round launcher with its own radar and EO/IR sensor. The system can be truck-mounted or mounted on a warship.[77]
XTR-101/102   Taiwan Gun System 20mm, more than 20 systems deployed in coastal defenses.[78]

Torpedoes

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Name Origin Type Notes
Mark 46 torpedo   United States Lightweight 100 delivered in 1992, 150 Mk-46 Mod-5 NEARTIP delivered in 1994, 110 Mk-46 Mod-5 NEARTIP delivered in 1998,
90 Mk-46 Mod-5 NEARTIP delivered in 2000, 41 Mk-46 Mod-5 NEARTIP delivered in 2001[74]
Mark 48 torpedo   United States Heavyweight 46 ordered in 2018[74]
SUT torpedo   Germany Heavyweight multirole, 200 delivered in 1998 from Indonesian production line[74]
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  •  
    Hsiung Feng II and Hsiung Feng III launchers of Tian Dan (PFG2-1110)
  •  
    Sea Oryx missile launcher display at MND Hall
  •  
    Covered ROCN Hsiung Feng II & Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile launchers truck displayed at Zuoying Naval Base
  •  
    ROCN Hsiung Feng II & Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile launchers truck
  •  
    Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile launched from a missile launchers truck
  •  
    ROCN Hughes 500 "6910" carried on Lan Yang (FFG-935) helicopter deck from rear right view
  •  
    ROCN S-70C(M) "2307" flying over Zuoying Naval Base in the morning
  •  
    Mark 32 torpedo tubes mounted on ROCN Tzu I (PFG-1107)
  •  
    No.1 Wan Xiang CAPTOR mine displayed aboard ROCN Ho Zhong (LCU-484)
  •  
    No.2 Wan Xiang Bottom mine displayed aboard ROCN Ho Zhong (LCU-484)
  •  
    Sea Chaparral launcher mounted on ROCN Si Ning (PFG-1203)
  •  
    T-75S 20mm Cannon mounted on ROCS FACG-77
  •  
    Phalanx CIWS and Bofors 40 mm L/70 gun aboard on ROCN Di Hua (PFG-1206)
  •  
    M96 motorboat
  •  
    The President of Taiwan aboard the Pan Shi
  •  
    OTO Melara 76mm Gun aboard the frigate ROCN Si Ning (PFG-1203)
  •  
    ROCN S-70C(M) "2312"
  •  
    Visitors in front of ROCN Kao Hsiung (LCC-1)
  •  
    TC-2N

Bases

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SuAo Bay Panorama
 
ROCN Xinbin Camp with 205
 
Anchor in Entrance Road of Zhongzheng Naval Base
  • Tsoying Naval Base – 1st Naval District HQ, largest naval base in Taiwan and naval airfield near Kaohsiung
  • Tsoying Naval Airfield and Naval Yard – Tsoying District
  • Makung Naval Base (Makung, Pescadores) – 2nd Naval District HQ – home to attack squadrons, training centre and naval yard
  • Keelung Naval Base, Keelung – 3rd Naval District HQ, home to northern patrol and transport squadrons and small naval yard
  • Suao Naval Base, Su-ao, Yilan – East Coast Command and supports Keelung Naval Base

All remaining bases are small naval stations supporting PCL class small patrol boats and Fast Attack Boat:

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The Naval Maritime and Surveillance Command oversees a network of surveillance radar stations across Taiwan. These include high altitude sites like Hsiaohsuehshan which is located at more than 3,000m above sea level. The high altitude sites pose unique challenges to the Navy as they are often located in inaccessible areas and experience extreme weather including months of snow in the winter.[79]

In May 2021 the navy ordered a new series of shore based medium-to-long range maritime surveillance radars from NCSIST. Because the radar system will likely come under attack in a war the navy has been pulling staff back to central command centers.[80]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Displacement when submerged

References

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Citations

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  • Chen, Kuan-Jen (2024). Charting America's Cold War Waters in East Asia: Sovereignty, Local Interests, and International Security. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-009-41875-1.
  • Chung, Chien (2003). "A review of the ROC's military reform: A case study of the Taiwanese Navy". In Martin Edmonds; Michal M. Tsai (eds.). Defending Taiwan: The Future Vision of Taiwan's Defence Policy and Military Strategy. London: Routledge. ISBN 978-1-136-87541-0.
  • Elleman, Bruce A. (2019). The Making of the Modern Chinese Navy: Special Historical Characteristics. New York: Anthem Press. ISBN 978-1-78527-102-1.
  • Gardiner, Robert & Chesneau, Roger, eds. (1980). "China". Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1922–1946. London: Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-146-7.
  • IISS (2023). The Military Balance 2023. London: Routledge. ISBN 978-1-032-50895-5.
  • Jordan, Donald A. (1976). The Northern Expedition: China's National Revolution of 1926–1928. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 978-0-8248-8086-6.
  • Larsen, Stanley Robert; Collins Jr., James Lawton (1985) [1975]. Allied Participation in Vietnam. Washington, D.C.: Department of the Army. LCCN 74-28217.
  • Mach, Andrzej (1986). "China". In Gardiner, Robert & Gray, Randal (eds.). Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1906-1921. London: Conway Maritime Press. pp. 395–400. ISBN 0-85177-245-5.
  • Ministry of Defense of the Republic of China (2010). 中華民國海軍陸戰隊發展史 [The Development History of the Republic of China Marine Corps] (PDF) (in Chinese). Taipei: History and Politics Compilation Office of the Ministry of National Defense. ISBN 978-986-02-0593-0.
  • Setzekorn, Eric (2014). "Military Reform in Taiwan: The Lafayette Scandal, National Defense Law and All-Volunteer Force". American Journal of Chinese Studies. 21 (1): 7–19. JSTOR 44288432.
  • Setzekorn, Eric (2023). Arming East Asia: Deterring China in the Early Cold War. Annapolis: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 978-1-68247-852-3.
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