Force Planning b 29
radar are constantly rewriting the book of tactics. The current ROCN interdiction operation concept is considered nothing but a decisive battle targeting PLA amphibious landing forces in the form of an exchange of missiles and shells. For the purpose of firing missiles against enemy’s ships, smaller but cheaper missile craft can not only achieve the same effect, but are also easier to replenish. Although smaller ships are not as sustained and effective as larger ships, the PLAN’s amphibious forces are likewise vulnerable to unfavorable sea states, making a successful landing a tremendous challenge. In this case, the ROCN’s planned joint interdiction operation executed by larger ships might be avoided, and ventures based on these assets will become cost ineffective. This article suggests that the ROCN must carefully develop an effective defense strategy to counter PLA invasion scenarios and put in practice a feasible, cost-effective force build-up plan. Tactically, littoral anti-blockade and anti-submarine operations should be the first priority, to be executed by existing destroyers and frigates. Successful ASW operations
will also keep critical seaports as well as the sea lines of communication open and free from threats by submarines and mines. Since the range and hit-rate of most air-to-sea missiles are better than sea-to-air missiles, attacks on surface targets should not be the navy’s exclusive purview and must be carried through joint and asymmetric efforts. The ROCN must also move forward on the longstalled submarine acquisition plan. International political realities mean that submarines cannot be acquired, or even transferred, from third countries, and hoping for this is an impracticable expectation and a waste of time. The cross-strait situation and military balance have undergone a substantial transformation in the past decade. If the renowned Buddhist sage Atisha was correct when he said that “your enemy is always your greatest teacher,” then perhaps the ROCN might best frustrate China’s plans to field a blue-water navy against the island by adopting its own doctrine of building an asymmetric littoral force, one with “aerial, subsurface, and speedy” capabilities. n
photo: Zeyang A Taiwanese honor guard wearing the white uniform of the ROC Navy performs weapons drill at a changing-of-the-guard ceremony in Taiwan.