In a national first, the Navy commissioned two mine-laying squadrons on Friday. The new squadrons will make use of domestically built ships equipped with a high-speed automated mine-laying system powered by GPS technology. Mine-laying is a core component of Taiwan''s asymmetric defense strategy. In the event of a conflict, well-laid mines can help prevent enemy ships from coming ashore.

Two rapid mine-laying squadrons were commissioned on Friday. President Tsai Ing-wen boarded one squadron’s ship for inspection.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
These are the first mine-laying squadrons formed in the history of the R.O.C. Navy. I am very pleased to witness this important moment, and I believe that with the addition of this squadron, the Navy’s ability to defend the nation’s waters will be strengthened. The formation of these squadrons is a testament to the efforts of our domestic defense industry. It shows the world our resolve in defending our nation.

The military spent NT$900 million to build four high-speed minelayers, which are equipped with an automatic mine-laying system developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology. The system uses GPS tracking to lay mines quickly and prevent enemy ships from coming ashore.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
In the past, marine mine-laying operations were carried out manually by naval officers and soldiers on landing craft. Now they can be conducted using minelayers built by Lungteh Shipbuilding. They are equipped with an NCSIST-developed automatic mine-laying system and are more resistant to stormy seas. They will help our brothers and sisters in arms carry out their mission more quickly and accurately.

Tsai also expressed concern over servicemembers’ health, urging them to exercise caution against COVID.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
The weather has been volatile, and we are also facing the pandemic. I urge everyone to stay warm and follow pandemic measures to help protect the nation. Our brothers and sisters in the armed forces hold fast to their posts and complete every mission they are given. I believe Taiwanese are grateful for their efforts. As the commander-in-chief I will also provide the military my utmost support.

Four high-speed minelayers were handed over to the military last month. Two of them entered service on Friday.