Taiwan’s New Amphibious Assault Ship Bristles with Anti-Air Missiles
by Thomas Newdick
September 30, 2022
Introduction:
Read more here: https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ ... -missiles(The Drive) Taiwan today formally introduced into service the first of a new class of amphibious assault ships to the Republic of China Navy, or ROCN. While the lead ship of the Yushan class of landing platform docks, or LPDs, has similarities with the U.S. San Antonio class, what’s immediately notable is its relatively enormous anti-aircraft firepower, with launch cells for no fewer than 32 medium-range surface-to-air missiles. This is almost certainly the first time an assault ship of this type has packed such a powerful air defense capability.
In a ceremony today in the southern port city of Kaohsiung, the Yushan (LPD-1401) was officially transferred to the ROCN today, in the presence of President Tsai Ing-wen.
(The article linked below also includes many Twitter feeds relevant to the subject of the article)
The Yushan was built by the state-owned China Shipbuilding Corporation (CSBC), which laid the keel of the vessel in June 2020 and then launched it in April 2021. At-sea trials then began in July this year.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Tsai said the new vessel reflected Taiwan’s path to “national defense autonomy,” which includes local production of advanced warships and submarines.
“When it comes to China’s military threats, only by strengthening our self-defense capabilities can there be true peace,” Tsai said, according to a report from Reuters. “It is our constant policy and determination to implement national defense autonomy so that the military has the best equipment to defend the country.”