Taiwan Navy Strengthens Air Defense with New Phalanx Block 1B Systems

The Taiwan Navy has significantly enhanced its air defense capabilities by completing the installation of 13 new Phalanx Block 1B close-in defense systems on its corvettes, frigates, and destroyers. This upgrade, representing an investment of over $314 million, is part of Taiwan’s broader efforts to strengthen its maritime security amid increasing regional tensions. The Navy is also in the process of modernizing its existing Phalanx Block 1A systems, with deliveries of the upgraded systems expected over the next year, managed by American defense companies.

The ships that have received the new Phalanx Block 1B systems include the domestically designed Tuo Chiang-class missile corvettes, the French-designed Kang Ding-class frigates, and the Keelung-class destroyers, which were formerly part of the U.S. Navy’s Kidd-class.

The most recent Tuo Chiang-class units were equipped with the systems as recently as March of this year. Taiwanese defense officials have confirmed that future naval platforms, including next-generation light frigates and Yushan-class vessels, will also be fitted with the Phalanx Block 1B systems, ensuring that each warship is equipped with robust close-in air defense capabilities.

In addition to the Phalanx upgrades, Taiwan is developing a missile-based air defense system, the Sea Oryx, which is being developed by the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology.

This system is expected to undergo live-fire testing later this month and could potentially replace the Phalanx systems in the future. As an alternative or complement, Taiwan’s Navy has also positively evaluated the U.S.-origin RIM-116 systems.

The newly installed Phalanx Block 1B systems are equipped with a 20mm M61A1 Gatling gun capable of firing up to 4,500 rounds per minute, with an effective range of up to 1.5 kilometers.

These systems are powered by a 440V electrical source and include Ku-band radars for target acquisition, as well as a FLIR optical sensor. Compared to the previous Block 1A version, the Block 1B systems offer enhanced capabilities, including improvements in gun design that reduce shot dispersion. This is achieved through lengthening and widening the gun’s walls, allowing for the use of Enhanced Lethality Cartridge rounds that provide greater armor penetration capability.

As Taiwan continues to strengthen its naval defenses, the integration of these advanced systems underscores the country’s commitment to maintaining a strong and capable military presence in the region.