Ching Chiang-class patrol ship

The Ching Chiang class (Chinese: 錦江) is a class of patrol ships/corvettes built by CSBC for the Republic of China Navy.[1]

Two vessels of the Ching Chiang class at Keelung
Class overview
BuildersCSBC Corporation, Taiwan
Operators Republic of China Navy
Succeeded byTuo Chiang-class corvette
Built1994–2000
In commission1994–present
Planned12
Completed12
Active6
Retired6
General characteristics
TypePatrol ship/corvette
Displacement580 tons
Length61.4 m (201 ft 5 in)
Beam9.5 m (31 ft 2 in)
Draft2.9 m (9 ft 6 in)
Speed25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph)
Complement50
PGG-609
ROCN Chih Yang (FFG-932) and three Ching Chiang-class patrol ships at Keelung Naval Pier
ROCN PGG-608 in Port of Keelung

Overview

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Named after the Jingjiang river in Guangdong, China, this class of vessels were initially equipped with the HF-1 anti-ship missile, one 40 mm anti-aircraft gun, and one 20 mm gun.[2]

Beginning in 2012 the ROCN began upgrading the Ching Chiang class to counter the increasing capabilities of the PRC. The primary improvements were the fitting of four HF-3 supersonic anti-ship missile launchers [3] and the fitting of the OTO Melara 76 mm naval gun in place of the 40 mm gun on certain vessels.[2]

Operational history

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In 2020 one of the Ching Chiang-class patrol ships outfitted with special electronic warfare equipment was used to interfere with the signals collection of Chinese spy ships during the annual Han Kuang Exercise.[4]

The lead ship of the class, Ching Chiang (PGG-603), was retired on 1 February 2021.[5]

HF-3 misfire

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In 2016 Jin Chiang (PGG-610) accidentally launched an HF-3 missile during a dockside drill. While the warhead of the missile was unarmed the missile hit a fishing vessel and did considerable damage. The ship's captain was killed and three crew members were injured.[6][1]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Minnick, Wendell. "Taiwan Anti-Ship Missile Destroys Fishing Boat". www.defensenews.com. Defense News. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
  2. ^ a b Cole, J. Michael. "Vessels being outfitted with HF-3s". www.taipeitimes.com. Taipei Times. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
  3. ^ Hollingsbee, Trevor. "TAIWANESE WARSHIPS CARRY OUT MISSILE FIRINGS". www.bairdmaritime.com. Baird Maritime. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
  4. ^ Strong, Matthew. "Taiwan Navy chases Chinese spy ships away during war games". www.taiwannews.com.tw. Taiwan News. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  5. ^ Chen, Kelvin. "Taiwan Navy decommissions domestically produced patrol ship". www.taiwannews.com.tw. Taiwan Navy. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  6. ^ Rogoway, Tyler. "Fishing Boat Hit by Accidentally Fired Taiwanese Supersonic Anti-Ship Missile". www.thedrive.com. The Drive. Retrieved 28 October 2019.