Taiwan launched the 12th and final 600-tonne Anping-class patrol vessel on May 15 [1].
The completion of this fleet marks the conclusion of a major indigenous shipbuilding program designed to enhance the maritime capabilities of the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) [1].
The new vessel, named the Dong Gang [2], is the latest addition to a series of 12 ships [1]. These vessels are produced under a government initiative to build domestic naval assets rather than relying on foreign imports [1].
Reports on the specific utility of the Anping-class vessels vary. Some reports said the 600-tonne ships are intended for peacetime law-enforcement missions, such as combating smuggling, and illegal fishing [2]. Other reports said the ships are designed for potential missile deployment against China [3].
The launch of the Dong Gang signifies the end of the construction phase for this specific class of vessel [1]. The CGA will now integrate these 12 ships [1] into its active patrol rotation to secure Taiwan's territorial waters.
The Taipei Times said the launch marks the completion of the fleet under the government's indigenous shipbuilding program [1].
“Taiwan launched the 12th and final 600-tonne Anping-class patrol vessel”
The completion of the Anping-class fleet represents a strategic pivot toward maritime self-reliance for Taiwan. By developing indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, Taiwan reduces its dependence on external suppliers for coast guard assets. The discrepancy in reported roles—ranging from fisheries enforcement to missile deployment—suggests a dual-use strategy intended to provide flexibility in responding to both civil maritime disputes and potential military escalations in the region.
