Navy to launch its prototype missile boat within weeks

The prototype of a new missile boat that has been developed by the navy will be launched on Oct. 2 in Kaohsiung, marking the latest achievement of the navy's efforts toward self-reliance in ship-building, the navy said yesterday.

The prototype will be made public for the first time at the launching ceremony, which will be presided over by military leaders. Top government leaders will also be invited for attendance.

The ship will be the model for 29 missile boats that will be built before 2010. The ship-building project, code-named "Kuang Hua [光華] No. 6," marks the most recent efforts by the navy to develop self-reliant ship-building capabilities.

The navy has been developing the prototype ship project for over three years at its logistics command headquarters in Kaohsiung's Tsoying military port.