Min Jiang-class minelayer

Class overview
BuildersLung Teh Shipbuilding Co.
OperatorsRepublic of China Navy
Built2019-2021
In commission2020-Present
Planned4
Completed4
Active4
General characteristics
TypeMinelayer
Displacement347 tons
Length41m
Beam8.8m
Draft1.7m
Speed14 knots
Armament1 x T-75 cannon, 2 x T74 machine gun

The Min Jiang-class minelayer is a class of minelayers in service with the Republic of China Navy (ROCN) built by Lung Teh Shipbuilding.

Naming

The vessels are referred to as the Min Jiang-class by the media. However, the official class designation remains unknown.[1] The first vessel is designated FMLB-I, with FMLB standing for Fast Mine Laying Boat.[2] It is assumed that the other minelayers have a similar designation

Design

The Min Jiang-class displaces 347 tons at full load, with a maximum speed of 14 knots. Length is 41m, width is 8.8m and draft is 1.7m.[1]

The vessels have a precision automatic mine laying system. In addition to its mines, the vessels are equipped with a T-75 cannon and T74 machine guns.[3] These are most likely intended to be used in the anti-aircraft role or against small boat swarms

Service history

The first vessel was launched in August 2020 at Lung Teh Shipbuilding's Yilan County Shipyard.[3]

The second vessel was delivered in September 2021,[4] and the ROCN took delivery of the third and fourth vessel in December 2021.[5]

The Min Jiang-class replaced converted amphibious landing craft in the minelaying role.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b Vavasseur, Xavier. "Taiwan Starts Construction On 3rd & 4th Mine Laying Ship". navalnews.com. Naval News. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
  2. ^ Scarano, Matteo. "Update: Taiwan launches first 'fast minelayer' for RoCN". janes.com. Janes. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Taiwan Navy launches first locally-built rapid mine-laying vessel". taiwannews.com.tw. Taiwan News. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
  4. ^ Dominguez, Gabriel. "Taiwanese navy commissions first improved Tuo Chiang-class corvette, receives second FMLB minelayer". www.janes.com. Janes.
  5. ^ Chen, Kelvin. "Taiwan Navy receives final pair of rapid mine-laying ships". taiwannews.com.tw. Taiwan News. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
  6. ^ Axe, David. "Taiwan is Making a Major Investment in Mines to Deter China". nationalinterest.org. National Interest. Retrieved 17 December 2021.