Taiwan’s New ‘Carrier Killer’ Ships are Ready to Boost Island’s Asymmetric War Plan

Taiwan is set to bolster its maritime defenses with the commissioning of two advanced Tuo Jiang-class stealth missile corvettes this week. Dubbed the "carrier killers," these vessels represent a significant enhancement to Taiwan's naval capabilities amidst escalating tensions with Beijing's People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The An Jiang and Wan Jiang corvettes, part of an initial batch of six, are designed to operate swiftly and effectively in Taiwan's coastal waters. Measuring 60.4 meters in length and equipped with a wave-piercing catamaran design, they boast a maximum speed of 45 knots and a displacement of 700 tonnes. These features, combined with an operational range of 1,800 nautical miles, underscore their agility and strategic versatility.

Armed to the teeth with domestically developed weaponry, including Hsiung Feng II and III anti-ship missiles and Hai Chien II anti-aircraft missiles, the corvettes are formidable adversaries capable of engaging targets on both land and sea. Their armament also includes 76mm cannons, Phalanx close-in weapon systems, and T74 machine guns, ensuring robust defensive and offensive capabilities.

What sets these corvettes apart is their incorporation of stealth technology, making them less susceptible to detection—a crucial advantage in Taiwan's asymmetric warfare strategy. Operating effectively in shallow waters where larger naval vessels struggle, they pose a significant challenge to the PLA's larger, more conventionally powerful fleet.

Taiwan's strategic deployment of these corvettes is a direct response to increased military posturing from Beijing, particularly since the inauguration of Taiwan's new leader, William Lai Ching-te. Lai's administration has been marked by a firm stance on Taiwan's sovereignty, which Beijing views as provocative.

Recent PLA maneuvers, including simulated blockades and incursions into Taiwanese waters, highlight the volatile geopolitical landscape in the region. The presence of these "carrier killers" underscores Taiwan's commitment to maintaining its sovereignty and deterring potential aggressors, backed by ongoing support from allies like the United States.

As tensions in the Taiwan Strait continue to escalate, the commissioning of the An Jiang and Wan Jiang corvettes represents not just a military milestone for Taiwan, but a strategic statement of resilience in the face of mounting pressure from Beijing.

This latest development reaffirms Taiwan's resolve to defend its territorial integrity and safeguard regional stability—a message that resonates far beyond its shores.