Taiwan Unveils Stealth ‘Carrier Killers’

When we think about stealth military vehicles, we typically look to the skies. But there are stealth boats, too, including a new twin-hulled vessel from Taiwan that has been built specifically to target aircraft carriers.

The Tuo Jiang is a 551-ton vessel that can carry 41 crewmembers, travel 44 miles per hour, and target carriers with Hsiung Feng III supersonic anti-ship missiles (a 76mm gun on the forward bow will take out smaller vessels and incoming missiles).

It’s built with unusual angles and flat surfaces to give it a low radar profile, and is reportedly constructed from radar-refractive materials. According to this early report in the Taiwanese press, the government of Taiwan appears to be taking a defense approach that counters Chinese muscle with fast, evasive attack boats.

The first of the 12 planned ships will launch in 2015. Taiwanese firm Lung Teh is building the boats. The government approved funding for the program in 2011.

Source: IHS Jane’s