Republic of China Navy

The Republic of China Navy (ROCN; Chinese: 中華民國海軍; pinyin: Zhōnghuá Mínguó Hǎijūn), also known as the Taiwan Navy[1] is the maritime branch of the Republic of China Armed Forces. The ROC Navy's primary mission is to defend ROC territories and the sea lanes that surround Taiwan against a blockade, attack, or possible invasion by the People's Liberation Army Navy of the People's Republic of China. Operations include maritime patrols in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, as well as counter-strike and counter-invasion operations during wartime. The Republic of China Marine Corps functions as a branch of the Navy.

Republic of China Navy
中華民國海軍
Zhōnghuá Mínguó Hǎijūn (Mandarin)
Chûng-fà Mìn-koet Hói-kiûn (Hakka)
Emblem of the ROCN
Founded1924 (1924)
Country Republic of China
TypeNavy
Size38,000 personnel
117 Ships
28 Aircraft
Part ofRepublic of China Armed Forces
Colorswhite  
March"The New Navy" (新海軍).
Fleet4 Destroyer
20 Frigate
31 Missile boat
4 Submarine
1 Corvette
12 Patrol ship
9 Minesweeper
10 Landing Ship, Tank
(10 Auxiliaries)
Websitenavy.mnd.gov.tw/en/ (in English)
Commanders
Commander of the Navy Adm. Liu Chih-pin
Deputy Commanding-General Vice Adm. Mei Chia-shu
Vice Adm. Tang Hua
HQs' Chief of Staff Vice Adm. Ao Yi-chih
Insignia
Ensign
Jack
Republic of China Navy
Traditional Chinese中華民國海軍
Simplified Chinese中华民国海军

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

Organization

Republic of China Navy Command Headquarters

Admiral Liu Chih-pin, the current Commanding-General.
Vice Admiral Mei Chia-shu, 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[2][3]
  • 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.[4][5][6]
  • 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:[7][8][9]

History

1912–1949

ROCN delegation in Washington D.C., 1930

The precursor to the modern ROC Navy was established as the Ministry of the Navy in the Provisional Government of the Republic of China in 1911 following the overthrow of the Qing dynasty. Liu Guanxiong, a former Qing dynasty admiral, became the first Minister of Navy of the Republic of China. During the period of warlordism that scarred China in the 1920s and 1930s the ROCN remained loyal to the Kuomintang government of Sun Yat-sen instead of the warlord government in Beijing which fell to the nationalist government in the 1928 northern campaign and between the civil war with the Communist Party and 1937 Japanese invasion of Northeast China. During that time and throughout World War II, the ROCN concentrated mainly on riverine warfare as the poorly equipped ROCN was not a match to Imperial Japanese Navy over ocean or coast.[10]

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).

1949–present

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.[8] 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.[11]

In 2018 Lungteh Shipbuilding was awarded a contract to produce eleven Tuo Chiang Block II corvettes and four minelayers for the Taiwanese Navy.[12]

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.[13]

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 later 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.[14]

Rank and rating insignia

Officers
Equivalent
NATO code
OF-10OF-9OF-8OF-7OF-6OF-5OF-4OF-3OF-2OF-1OF(D) and student officer
 Republic of China Navy
No equivalent No equivalent
Full Admiral
一級上將
Admiral
二級上將
Vice admiral
中將
Rear admiral
少將
Captain
上校
Commander
中校
Lieutenant commander
少校
Lieutenant
上尉
Lieutenant (junior grade)
中尉
Ensign
少尉
Officer cadet
軍校生
Pinyin Yījí Shàngjiàng Èrjí Shàngjiàng Zhōngjiàng Shaojiàng Daijiàng Shàngxiào Zhōngxiào Shàoxiào Shàngwèi Zhōngwèi Shàowèi Jūnxiào shēng
Non-commissioned
Equivalent
NATO code
OR-9OR-8OR-7OR-6OR-5OR-4OR-3OR-2OR-1
 Republic of China Navy
Command master chief petty officer
一等士官長
Master chief petty officer
二等士官
Senior chief petty officer
三等士官長
Chief Petty Officer
上士
Petty Officer 1st Class
中士
Petty Officer 2nd Class
下士
Seaman
上等兵
Seaman apprentice
一等兵
Seaman recruit
二等兵
Pinyin Yīděng Shìguān zhǎng Èrděng Shìguān zhǎng Sānděng Shìguān zhǎng Shàngshi Zhōngshi Xiàshi Shàngděng Bīng Yīděng Bīng Èrděng Bīng

Equipment

Traditionally, most ROCN equipment is purchased from the United States, though 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. It has only two useful submarines. The U.S. has approved sales of eight new diesel-powered submarines but lacks the manufacturing capability to make the engines; at the same time, threats from the PRC prevent the necessary technology transfer from other countries. Furthermore, the Legislative Yuan did not approve the budget and thereby slowed the opportunity to procure the badly needed underwater defense capability.

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.[15] 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.[16]

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.[17] 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.[18][19]

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.[20]

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.[21] 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.[22]

Other ongoing local upgrade programs include locally designed and built Ching Chiang class of 12 patrol ships that were designed back in the 1990s to carry four HF-1 anti-ship missiles on board but only the lead ship of the class had them. 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. Currently four different variants exist within this class, the original Ching Chiang patrol ship constructed with four HF-1 (one existing in this configuration).

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.[23]

In 2011, the navy retired several vessels. On 31 October, all eight PCL in the 124th Fleet were retired.[24] 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.[25]

USS Taylor in 2014

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.[26]

Indigenous ‘Landing Platform Dock’ / Amphibious Assault Ship

In September 2018, Taiwan confirms contract for first amphibious assault ship built in Taiwan. It will be built by CSBC Corporation, a local shipyard. Four are planned with the first to be entering service around 2021. It is roughly similar to 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.[27] 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.[28][29][30] The primary sensor is expected to be a naval version of the indigenous CS/MPQ-90 Bee Eye AESA radar.[31]

Fleet Air Defense Upgrade / Hsun Lien Project

The ROC Navy currently lacks a modern fleet defense system. Its 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.[32][33] Past US administrations rejected the sale of Aegis radar system and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, including George W. Bush in 2001. Under 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.[34][35][36] 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.[37][38] 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.[39] Additionally, the AN/SLQ-32 system on the Kee Lung class guided missile destroyers (formerly Kidd-Class Destroyers) will be upgraded and is expected to be completed by 2023.[40] 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.[41] In January 2020, it is reported the Tien-Kung III (Sky Bow III) is successfully fired from the Mark 41 Vertical Launching System.[42][43]

Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) Program

With its two effective submarines being of Dutch design manufactured in the late 1980s, Taiwan has been trying to acquire more modern submarines for over 20-years; but the US only makes large nuclear submarines, and other sellers of conventional submarines have been scarce. In 2003 the US Government brokered an offer and suggested buying four (even older and smaller) Nazario Sauro-class submarines from Italy (which the Italians would completely refurbish). Italy reportedly also agreed to sell them an additional four other later vintage Sauro-class submarines still on active duty with the Italian Navy, for a total of eight, following their eventual decommissioning by the Italian Navy. However, Taipei rejected this offer, saying it wanted new submarines. In subsequent years no other solution was found.

Whilst Taiwan was actively seeking to purchase diesel-electric submarines from other nations, it started considering the possibility of building the required eight submarines indigenously, after repeated failures to strike an overseas deal. A squadron of modern submarines would greatly improve the Navy's defensive capabilities. However building submarines is a very daunting technological project. On 15 April 2014, the Defence Minister Yen Ming announced that the United States agreed to help Taiwan to construct its own diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs).[44]

In April 2018, President of the United States Donald Trump approved the license necessary for American firms to sell Taiwan the technology needed to build its own submarines.[45] In July 2018, it was reported[46] that a company from India and a defense contractor from Japan had submitted design proposals for the Indigenous Defense Submarine program[47] alongside two companies from America and another two from Europe.[48][49]

In May 2019, Taiwan revealed a scale model of its chosen design for an indigenous built diesel-electric attack submarine. The external design appears to be similar to Japan's Soryu– and Oyashio-class SSKs and includes an X-form rudder similar to one found on Sōryū-class submarine.[50] The boats will be assembled using Japanese construction techniques in Taiwan. A Japanese team consisting of 'retired' engineers from Mitsubishi and Kawasaki Heavy Industries will provide technical support. Reportedly, a version of the AN/BYG-1 submarine combat management system, used in US Navy nuclear submarines, is being offered to Taiwan (as no other foreign manufacturer's systems are available).[51][52] The vessels are projected to be in the 2,500-ton class and 70m in length.[53]

In October 2019 it was reported that construction of the class would commence at the Heping Island yard in Keelung rather than in Kaohsiung.[54] Later in October 2019 it was reported that personnel working on the project were forbidden from traveling to or transiting through Macao or Hong Kong (their travel to Mainland China had already been restricted) due to security concerns.[53]

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. Anticipated delivery was in 2025, though a 78-month build time suggested a somewhat later delivery.[55][56]

Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Flight II Tuo Chiang Class Corvette Program

In May 2019, the Republic of China Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced it had begun construction of three Flight-II Tuo Chiang class corvettes (also known as Tuo Jiang class). The ships will be built by Lung Teh Shipbuilding. The Tuo Chiang-class corvette is a class of stealthy multi-mission catamarans based on the single Tuo Chiang class Flight I prototype launched in 2014. They have a length of 65 meters and a displacement of 680 tonnes versus 560 tons for the existing Flight I. Their top speed remains around 45 knots. It features improved upper structure design with fewer extrusions to reduce radar signature, pre-cooled engine exhaust to reduce infrared signature, and a reduced visual signature. It can be armed with up to twelve subsonic Hsiung Feng II or supersonic Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missiles of which can be mixed configuration, a Phalanx Close-In Weapons System which may be replaced by Sea Oryx in the future, and a 76-mm main gun. In air defense configuration, it will contain a four-cell vertical launch system array. Each cell is quad-packed with four Tien Chien IIN, or Sky Sword IIN, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, for a total of 16 missiles.[57][58][59]

Destroyers (4 in service)

Class Picture Type Ships Displacement[lower-alpha 1] Note
Kee Lung class  United States / destroyer ROCS Tso Ying (DDG-1803)
ROCS Su Ao (DDG-1802)
ROCS Kee Lung (DDG-1801)
ROCS Ma Kong (DDG-1805)
9,783 tonnes Formerly Kidd-class destroyer in US Service. Originally built for the Imperial Iranian Navy.

Frigates (22 in service)

Class Picture Type Ships Displacement[lower-alpha 1] Note
Cheng Kung class  Republic of China / 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 purchased[60][61][62]
Kang Ding class  France / frigate ROCS Kang Ding (FFG-1202)
ROCS Si Ning (FFG-1203)
ROCS Wu Chang (FFG-1205)
ROCS Di Hua (FFG-1206)
ROCS Kun Ming (FFG-1207)
ROCS Chen De (FFG-1208)
3,600 tonnes French-built La Fayette class
Chi Yang class  United States / frigate ROCS Fong Yang (FFG-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

Fast attack missile crafts (31 in service)

Class Picture Type Ships Displacement[lower-alpha 1] 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

Patrol ships (12 in service) & corvette (1 in service)

Class Picture Type Ships Displacement[lower-alpha 1] Note
Ching Chiang class  Republic of China / patrol ship ROCS Ching Chiang (PG-603)
ROCS Dan Chiang (PG-605)
ROCS Sing Chiang (PG-606)
ROCS Feng Chiang (PG-607)
ROCS Tzeng Chiang (PG-608)
ROCS Kao Chiang (PG-609)
ROCS Jin Chiang (PG-610)
ROCS Hsiang Chiang (PG-611)
ROCS Tze Chiang (PG-612)
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 Tuo Chiang (PGG-618) 600 tonnes on 14 March 2014.[63]

Minesweepers (9 in service)

Class Picture Type Ships Displacement[lower-alpha 1] 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[64]
Yung Yang class  United States / minesweeper ROCS Yung Yang (MSO-1306)
ROCS Yung Tzu (MSO-1307)
ROCS Yung Ku (MSO-1308)
ROCS Yung Ku (MSO-1308)
ROCS Yung Teh (MSO-1309)
735 tonnes ex-Aggressive class
Yung Ching class  United States / minesweeper ROCS Yung Jin (MHC-1310)
ROCS Yung An (MHC-1311)
893 tonnes ex-Osprey class

Amphibious ships (9 in service)

Class Picture Type Ships Displacement[lower-alpha 1] 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 and USS Sumter
Chung Hai class  United States /
tank landing ship
ROCS Chung Chiang (LST-205)
ROCS Chung Shing (LST-208)
ROCS Chung Chih (LST-218)
ROCS Chung Ming (LST-227)
ROCS Chung Ye (LST-231)
4,080 tonnes Landing Ship, Tank (LST-1)
Kaohsiung class  United States /
amphibious command ship
ROCS Kao Hsiung (LCC-1) 3,698 tonnes ex-USS Dukes County, 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, an Anchorage-class dock landing ship

Submarines (2 in service)

Class Picture Type Boats Displacement[lower-alpha 1] Note
Chien Lung class  Netherlands /
diesel-electric submarine
Hai Lung (Sea Dragon) (SS-793)
Hai Hu (Sea Tiger) (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  United States /
diesel-electric submarine
Hai Shih (Sea Lion) (SS-791)
Hai Bao (Sea Leopard) (SS-792)
2,420 tonnes Used primarily for Training. World's oldest longest-serving submarines.[65] Has two (one for each submarine) of the three remaining working Arma gyrocompass in the world.[66]

Auxiliary Ships (10 in service)

Class Picture Type Boats Displacement[lower-alpha 1] 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  United States /
rescue and salvage ship
ROCS Ta Hu (ARS-552)
ROCS Ta Twen (ARS-556)
1,975 tonnes ARS-552 (ex-USS Grapple)
Ta Tung class  United States / fleet tug ROCS ATF-551
ROCS ATF-553
ROCS ATF-554
ROCS ATF-555
ROCS ATF-563
1,680 tonnes ATF-548 (ex-USS Chickasaw)

Fixed-wing

Name Origin Type In service[67] Notes
Lockheed P-3C Orion United StatesMaritime patrol12Re-built ex-US Navy aircraft and replaced ROCN Grumman S-2 Trackers
Lockheed EP-3E Orion United StatesSignals reconnaissance3Spare P-3C airframes acquired for future conversion to EP-3E Aries I of II platform
NCSIST Albatross Republic of ChinaReconnaissance UAV26In service as of 2019[68]

Helicopters

Name Origin Type In service[67] Notes
Sikorsky S-70C(M)-1/2 Thunderhawk United StatesSearch and rescue / Anti-submarine warfare19Out of 10+11 ordered
Hughes 500MD/ASW Defender United StatesAnti-submarine warfare9Out of original 13 ordered

Surface-to-air missile

Name Origin Type Notes
Sky Sword I  Republic of China Short-range Shipboard deployment with Sea Oryx system.
Sky Sword II  Republic of China Beyond-visual-range Unknown number of TC-2N, to be fielded on Tuo Jiang Block II corvettes and retrofitted on the Kang Ding-class frigates.[69]
RIM-66 Standard  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[70]
RIM-67 Standard  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[70]

Anti-ship missile

Name Origin Type Notes
AGM-84 Harpoon  United States Subsonic (183) AGM-84s – (60) 84Ls[70]
Hsiung Feng II  Republic of China Subsonic Unknown, in mass production with secondary ground attack capability[71]
Hsiung Feng III  Republic of China Supersonic Unknown, in mass production with secondary ground attack capability

CIWS

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[70]

Torpedoes

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[70]
Mark 48 torpedo  United States Heavyweight 46 ordered in 2018[70]
SUT torpedo  Germany Heavyweight multirole, 200 delivered in 1998 from Indonesian production line[70]

Marine Corps

Republic of China Marine Corps : small arms, vehicles, artillery, missiles, and helicopters

Bases

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:

The Naval Maritime and Surveillance Command overseas 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.[72]

See also

Notes

    1. Displacement when submerged

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