Jin Chiang-class

Summary

Description

The Ching Chiang class, named after the Jingjiang river in China, is a class of patrol ships or corvettes constructed by the CSBC for the Republic of China Navy. These vessels were initially outfitted with the HF-1 anti-ship missile, a 40mm anti-aircraft gun, and a 20mm gun.

Starting in 2012, the Republic of China Navy (ROCN) began a series of upgrades for the Ching Chiang class to enhance their capabilities in response to the advancements made by the People's Republic of China (PRC). These upgrades included the installation of four HF-3 supersonic anti-ship missile launchers on these ships and, for some of the vessels, the replacement of the 40mm gun with an OTO Melara 76mm naval gun.

During their operational history, the Ching Chiang-class ships have been actively involved in exercises and operations. In particular, one such ship equipped with specialized electronic warfare apparatus played a disruptive role against Chinese intelligence-gathering vessels by interfering with their signals during the annual Han Kuang Exercise of 2020. However, the first vessel of this class, the lead ship named Ching Chiang (PGG-603), was retired from service on February 1, 2021.

In terms of notable incidents, the Jen Chiang (PGG-610) inadvertently launched an HF-3 missile during a drill while docked in 2016. This misfire resulted in significant damage, as the missile, though unarmed, struck a fishing boat, causing the untimely death of the boat's captain and injuring three crew members.

These ships serve in the ROCN with the aim of patrolling and defending its territorial waters, playing an important part in Taiwan's maritime security, especially given the geopolitical tensions in the region. The operational enhancements and capabilities of this class reflect Taiwan's commitment to maintaining a robust naval defense posture in the face of growing regional challenges.

Technical specifications