President Tsai Ing-wen says the automatic mine-planting system that Taiwan developed is the world’s most advanced of its kind. She said it is a demonstration of the nation’s defense research and development capabilities. Tsai was speaking Tuesday at a ceremony that saw the first mine planter handed over to the navy.
Tsai said the vessel equipped with the automatic system is capable of planting mines in waters and harbors within the shortest possible time. The automatic mine-planting system was developed by the National Chung-shan Institute of Science and Technology and is the world’s most advanced high-powered equipment of its kind.
President Tsai said Taiwan has made tremendous progress in defense self-sufficiency over the past four years, especially this year. She cited the beginning of the construction of Taiwan’s first indigenous submarine and the delivery of a patrol boat.
Tuesday’s handover ceremony also saw the christening and naming of another highly efficient navy vessel.