The Taiwanese Navy has entered the new year with maritime drills involving destroyers, frigates, missile boats and its newest stealth missile corvette.
The twin-hull missile corvette, the Tuo Chiang, is locally made. It was only delivered to the Republic of China Navy late last month by Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co.
According to The China Post, the vessel weighs about 502 tons, is capable of 38 knots and has a range of 2,000 miles. Weaponry includes Hsiung Feng II and Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missiles, a 76mm gun and Mark 46 torpedoes, the Navy said.
Defense Minister Yen Ming bills the ship as the "fastest and most powerful warship in Asia."
The Navy drills were being held about 104 nautical miles from Lanyu, according to the Navy and news reports. In addition to the frigates and other vessels, Naval anti-submarine S-70C helicopters and Air Force P-3C anti-submarine aircraft also participated.
The new corvette, built at a cost of $66.39 million, is expected to enter service in March.
