Taiwan’s Navy confirmed Thursday that the Littoral Combatant Command will be officially established on July 1, as part of plans to bolster sea control capabilities in 2026. 

Navy Chief of Staff Chiu Chun-jung (邱俊榮) announced at the Defense Ministry’s regular press briefing that the command will incorporate units including the Haifeng Brigade, missile boat forces, and the Naval Maritime Surveillance & Reconnaissance Command. 

To counter escalating threats, the command aims to enhance defenses against enemy amphibious landings and multi-layer intercepts. Chiu said that, for example, drones, radar stations, and mobile radar vehicles, shore-based fixed or mobile missile strike capabilities, and logistics maintenance would all be integrated. 

Chiu clarified that the July 1 timeline was always the plan, dismissing rumors of a delay from January. Preparations, including equipment intake, site planning, and facility upgrades, are on schedule, although details remain unavailable amid ongoing development. 

On reports that the Marine Corps Air Defense and Base Guard Group, responsible for protecting mobile missile units like the Haifeng Brigade, might re-form as the original 77th Marine Brigade, Chiu said its role in domain protection is critical. However, he confirmed that the group will maintain its current structure until after the command’s launch and force adjustments, with no timeline set for 77th Brigade discussions.