Screenshot from YouTube. (Central News Agency)
Taiwan’s Navy has released a video showcasing its first self-developed stealth missile corvette, the Tuo Jiang.
The highly-maneuverable 500-ton warship underwent sea trials last month, according to the South China Morning Post, reaching speeds of more than 38 knots.
"The corvette will play the role of 'killer' to attack the enemy's vessel, as it can sail fast and get close to its target without being easily detected by radar," said Taiwan’s Central News Agency. The video, which was released on Wednesday, compares the corvette to American combat ship the USS Independence, according to the South China Morning Post.
Taiwanese media said that the new ship is part of an $800 million program to build between seven and 11 corvettes to protect against China’s aircraft carriers.
The Tuo Jiang is 198 feet long and 46 feet wide, with a range of 2,000 nautical miles. With a crew of 41, the ship will be equipped with Taiwanese Hsiung Feng II and Hsiung Feng III missiles.
Taiwan has been showing off its military hardware recently, according to the report, which highlighted the country’s large-scale military drill in September. The island is also developing its own ground-to-air missiles.
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