Min Jiang-class minelayer explained

The Min Jiang-class minelayer is a class of minelayers in service with the Republic of China Navy (ROCN) built by Lung Teh Shipbuilding.

Naming

The vessels are referred to as the Min Jiang-class by the media. However, the official class designation remains unknown. The first vessel is designated FMLB-I, with FMLB standing for Fast Mine Laying Boat.[1] It is assumed that the other minelayers have a similar designation

Design

The Min Jiang-class displaces 347 tons at full load, with a maximum speed of 14 knots. Length is 41m, width is 8.8m and draft is 1.7m.[2]

The vessels have a precision automatic mine laying system. In addition to its mines, the vessels are equipped with a T-75 cannon and T74 machine guns. These are most likely intended to be used in the anti-aircraft role or against small boat swarms

Service history

The first vessel was launched in August 2020 at Lung Teh Shipbuilding's Yilan County Shipyard.[3]

The second vessel was delivered in September 2021,[4] and the ROCN took delivery of the third and fourth vessel in December 2021.[5]

The Min Jiang-class replaced converted amphibious landing craft in the minelaying role.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Scarano . Matteo . Update: Taiwan launches first 'fast minelayer' for RoCN . janes.com . Janes . 17 December 2021.
  2. Web site: Vavasseur . Xavier . Taiwan Starts Construction On 3rd & 4th Mine Laying Ship . navalnews.com . Naval News . 17 December 2021.
  3. Web site: Taiwan Navy launches first locally-built rapid mine-laying vessel . taiwannews.com.tw . Taiwan News . 17 December 2021.
  4. Web site: Dominguez . Gabriel . Taiwanese navy commissions first improved Tuo Chiang-class corvette, receives second FMLB minelayer . www.janes.com . Janes.
  5. Web site: Chen . Kelvin . Taiwan Navy receives final pair of rapid mine-laying ships . taiwannews.com.tw . Taiwan News . 17 December 2021.
  6. Web site: Axe . David . Taiwan is Making a Major Investment in Mines to Deter China . nationalinterest.org . National Interest . 17 December 2021.