MELBOURNE, Australia – Taiwan has launched the first of a new class of multifunctional amphibious ships capable of transporting troops and equipment to its islands abroad and the South China Sea. The vessels can also carry out orders for warfare on the surface with anti-ship missiles.
The construction platform, named after Yu Shan after Taiwan’s highest mountain, was launched on Tuesday at the site of state-owned shipbuilder CSBC Corporation in the southern Taiwanese port city of Kaohsiung. The launch ceremony was attended by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng, among others, senior civilian and military officials.
During the ceremony, Tsai called the launch of the Yu Shan a “milestone” for the self-governing East Asian island’s plans to strengthen its shipbuilding capability, adding that the ship “will strengthen the navy’s ability to fulfill its mission and our defense. ”
Previously released specifications for the LPD indicate that the ship moves 10,600 tons when fully loaded and measures 152 meters, or about 500 feet, with a 20-foot hull. The top speed of the LPD is reportedly 21 knots with a range of 7,000 miles.
Taiwan’s national defense ministry said the Yu Shan could house up to 673 troops, and that its vehicle deck could transport land platforms AAV7 rail vehicles, among other things. The ship also has a double hangar that is large for Sikorsky Seahawk and Black Hawk helicopters, as well as a single flight deck to perform helicopter operations. A well dock was included in the design to store, launch and recycle landing gear.
Unusual for an LPD, the Yu Shan is equipped with a few rocket launchers believed to be capable of holding eight indigenous Hsiung Feng II anti-ship or 16 Hai Chien naval-to-air missiles, giving the ship a combat capability offer.
The ship is also equipped with a single 76 mm multipurpose rifle and several Phalanx weapon systems. the latter is in defense of missile threats.
The Yu Shan is scheduled to serve in the Taiwan Navy in 2022 after final construction and sea trials with the builder. Taiwan has a requirement for four LPDs to replace the current Navy amphibious fleet, which consists of two Newport-class landing ship tanks and a single Anchorage-class jetty, all of which are former U.S. Navy barrels.