The Taiwan Navy has strengthened the air defense capabilities of its corvettes, frigates, and destroyers by completing the installation of 13 new Phalanx Block 1B systems, representing an investment of over $314 million. Concurrently, the force is in the process of modernizing its Phalanx Block 1A systems, with deliveries expected over the coming year and managed by American companies.
Specifically, the vessels that have received the new Phalanx Block 1B systems include the locally designed Tuo Chiang-class missile corvettes (with the last two units received in March of this year), the French-designed Kang Ding-class frigates, and the Keelung-class destroyers (formerly U.S. Navy Kidd-class).
In addition, a Taiwanese defense official quoted by the Taipei Times stated that future next-generation light frigates and Yushan-class vessels would also be equipped with the same system, ensuring that each warship is fitted with a close-in air defense system.
It is worth noting that Taiwan is locally developing a missile-based air defense system to eventually replace the Phalanx systems. This includes the Sea Oryx system, developed by the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology, which is expected to undergo live-fire testing later this month. An alternative or complement to this new development could be the U.S.-origin RIM-116 systems, which the Navy has evaluated positively.
Finally, highlighting some features of the recently installed Phalanx Block 1B systems, it is a system that includes a 20mm M61A1 Gatling gun capable of firing up to 4,500 rounds per minute against targets up to 1.5 kilometers away. The system, powered by a 440V electrical source, also features Ku-band radars for target acquisition and an FLIR optical sensor. Compared to its predecessor, the Block 1B version has improvements in the gun that reduce shot dispersion, achieved through lengthening (by 18 inches) and widening the gun’s walls; it is also capable of firing Enhanced Lethality Cartridge rounds, which provide increased armor penetration capability.
*Images used for illustrative purposes.
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