Tuo Chiang's Corvette, the Face of Taiwan's Defense Industry Independence
At least 200 Taiwanese companies are engaged in the defense industry. Some initially produced civil equipment.
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The replica of the Tuo Chiang-class corvette was handed over to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen (center) during the corvette launch in Suao, Taiwan on Tuesday (3/26/2024).
TAIPEI, THURSDAY — In just six months, Taiwan has launched another domestically produced weapon. This time, Taiwan launched two warships. Taiwan continues to strengthen its domestic defense industry despite strong support from the United States.
The latest support for the defense of the United States was revealed on Wednesday (27/3/2024). Washington promised a $300 million US dollar aid to Taipei. "We will continue to assure our colleagues that strategic relationships are the key to the region's future security. This includes Taiwan's strong maritime strategy and cooperation towards common goals to deter China," said Chairman of the US House Intelligence Committee Jack Bergman in Taipei on Thursday (26/3/2024).
Also read: Taiwan Launches First Domestically Made Submarine
The Republican politician came with a number of DPR members from both Republicans and Democrats. Their visit comes two days after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen launched two new corvettes. On Tuesday (26/3/2024) in Suao, Tsai unveiled two Tuo Chiang class ships.
In the launch, he affirmed his commitment to revitalize Taiwan's defense industry. He also urged for the acceleration of the production of domestically-made fighter training jets and submarines.
The Tuo Chiang class corvette made in Taiwan was launched in Suao, Taiwan, on Tuesday (26/3/2024).
On the other hand, according to Tsai, Taiwan will continue to purchase weapons from the US. Even though the US does not recognize Taiwan's sovereignty, they continue to fully support Taiwan. Weapon sales and donations are part of that support.
All of this is done because Taiwan always feels threatened by China's efforts to reunite the island. On various occasions, Beijing has stated that the reunification of China-Taiwan is only a matter of time. Meanwhile, Taiwan insists on not wanting to join China.
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Beijing continues to increase pressure on Taipei. Chinese fighter jets and warships are increasingly approaching Taiwan. In this situation, much of the promised US weaponry to Taiwan has not yet arrived, causing anxiety for Taiwan.
Old agreement
Moreover, the process of approval for US arms exports can take years. This still applies even to countries considered as US allies.
The Tuo Chiang class corvette made in Taiwan was launched in Suao, Taiwan, on Tuesday (26/3/2024).
Another issue is that US defense manufacturers are reluctant to cooperate with Taiwanese companies for at least two reasons. First, the companies will make more profit by selling complete weapons systems. It is different if they only sell spare parts or a portion of the weapons system.
The second reason is that American companies are concerned about Chinese spies in Taiwan. It is possible that these spies may infiltrate and steal confidential information about US weaponry. Therefore, they are reluctant to bring some of the production process to Taiwan.
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Whatever the reason may be, Taiwan is aware that it must have a sufficient national defense industry. This awareness has been embodied since 1969, when Taiwan formed the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), and the China Shipbuilding Corporation (CSBC).
Until now, those three institutions have been the backbone of Taiwan's weapons development. In 2002, Taiwan also formed the Integrated Logistics Command (CLC) to complement that sector.
Taiwan began its defense industry by producing spare parts for various imported weapons. After that, Taipei began acquiring licenses to manufacture complete weapons.
A few years after its formation, NCSIST developed the Hsiung-feng anti-ship missile. Over the past 41 years, the missile has been the mainstay of Taiwan's naval defense.
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By purchasing Gabriel missile licenses from Israel, Taiwan has improved the Hsiung-feng for future versions. Taiwan also developed the ballistic missile interceptor, Tien-kung. Currently, Tien-kung has entered its third generation.
The AIDC successfully produced the F-CK-1 Ching-kuo fighter jet. In the past 30 years, 130 Ching-kuo jets have been produced and used by Taiwan, primarily for patrol purposes. With a license from the United States, AIDC also produced a total of 300 F5E fighter jets. In addition, UH-1H helicopters were also manufactured.
Meanwhile, NCSIST-CLC collaboratively produces night vision goggles, bulletproof vests, and tanks. The partnership also produces the multilauncher rocket system (MLRS) RT-2000, grenade launcher T-85, and rifles.
"Equally important is the CSBC war. Since 2018, CSBC has built the Chiayi-class ship, coastal patrol vessels, and submarines. Several shipyards in Taiwan also assist in the production of patrol vessel hulls."
Taiwan has also developed unmanned vehicles such as Chung Shyang II, Flying Fish, Tengyun, and Albatros. Chung Syang is for surveillance, Flying Fish is for transporting explosives, and Tengyun is for attacking. Taiwan has equipped Tengyun and Albatros with Sky Sword II missiles.
At least 200 Taiwanese companies are engaged in the defense industry. In 2018, the turnover of these companies reached 2.3 billion US dollars.
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Some of these companies initially produced equipment for civilian purposes. Hwa Mei first made sunglasses and even ski goggles. Now, the company produces bulletproof glasses for the military.
Geosat, which creates unmanned aircrafts for spreading fertilizer, is also starting to produce aircrafts for military purposes. In 2024, Geosat targets to produce 3,000 unmanned aircrafts for military needs. "The Ukraine War has shown that civilian unmanned aircrafts can be used in war," said Geosat's leader, Lo Cheng-fang.
Taiwan also allocates an average of 1 billion US dollars per year for defense industry research and development. Nevertheless, up until now, the Taiwanese defense industry still relies on foreign technology and copyrights.
The situation haunts Taiwan. Moreover, even though it promises full support, the US still restricts access to technology for weapons that can be accessed by Taiwan. Therefore, Taiwan wants to establish a defense industry.
(AFP/AP)
