President Tsai Ing-wen presided over the handover of two naval vessels March 26 in Yilan County, reiterating the government’s commitment to building a modern and professional military force to defend the country’s territorial waters.
Constructed by Taipei City-headquartered Lungteh Shipbuilding Co. in partnership with National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology based in the northern city of Taoyuan, PGG-625 An Chiang and PGG-626 Wan Chiang are the last two of six multi-mission corvettes delivered under the government’s domestic warship building program.
According to Tsai, the first domestically developed corvette PGG-619 Ta Chiang was ceremonially named four years ago, and it has since undergone a series of operational tests and received wide recognition. Delivery of the successive ships in the class has moved quickly, she added.
Wan Chiang and An Chiang were originally scheduled for completion in 2025; Tsai called the early delivery a reflection of Taiwan’s advanced shipbuilding capacities and resolute determination to defend freedom and democracy. The vessels will soon replace ships of the existing Ching Chiang class.
Tsai also took the opportunity to thank members of the ROC (Taiwan) Navy for their dedication and hard work, adding that the government will do its utmost to maintain a safe environment for them to perform their duties. (SFC-E)
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