The navy’s latest Taiwanese-designed ship, the Yushan class landing platform dock, has opened its hatches to the public. Some may find it surprising that a navy vessel has not only armaments, but also provides leisure and medical services to its crew. Tomasz Koper reports.
An anti-submarine helicopter is gently touching down on the deck of the Taiwanese navy’s brand new Yushan-class landing platform dock.
The navy received the vessel, the first of its class, in September, but only now has allowed the public a peek inside.
The ship comes equipped with a medical operating room and can even handle dental treatments. The Yushan can be turned into a field hospital to participate in humanitarian missions during peacetime.
Crew amenities are also nothing to scoff at, especially the fully-equipped gym.
One crew member says that off-duty personnel can do both cardio and weight training to keep them strong and healthy.
The Yushan has a displacement of 10,600 tons and a top speed of over 21 knots. It carries formidable armament for its type, like point defense systems, 20mm cannons and an array of surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles.
Another crew member says the vessel is capable of maintaining its own air defense, which will increase its survivability and improve the navy’s overall strength.
The ship can also carry a number of amphibious vehicles and landing crafts, some of them armed with missiles. These allow for the rapid deployment of marines.
In the face of increasing military pressure from China, Taiwan’s armed forces seem to be on the path of modernization.