Taiwan Navy to Acquire 3 Rescue Ships, Including Dedicated Submarine Rescue Vessel

Taiwan's Navy is set to significantly bolster its fleet with the planned acquisition of three new rescue vessels by 2034, a project estimated to cost NT$35 billion (approximately $1.1 billion USD). This strategic move aims to enhance both general maritime rescue capabilities and specialized underwater support for the nation's submarines.

The plan involves procuring two follow-on vessels to the existing Tachiu-class rescue ships, alongside a larger, dedicated submarine rescue vessel. The latter, budgeted at approximately NT$13.2 billion, is designed with a length of about 112.86 meters and a width of 20.5 meters. It will be equipped with specialized gear to support submarine rescue operations, providing a critical safety net for Taiwan's expanding submarine force, including the Hai Kun-class.

The two new Tachiu-class follow-on ships will be slightly smaller, measuring around 87 meters in length and 15.5 meters in width, with a combined budget of NT$21.8 billion. These vessels will also be capable of supporting submarine rescue missions, indicating a dual-purpose design to maximize operational flexibility.

This significant investment underscores Taiwan's commitment to modernizing its naval assets and strengthening its defense capabilities in the face of regional security challenges. The introduction of these advanced rescue vessels will not only improve the Navy's response to maritime emergencies but also significantly enhance its ability to conduct complex underwater rescue operations.