President Tsai Ing-wen has called a new 600-ton coast guard vessel a milestone in Taiwan’s efforts to build its own ships.

Tsai was speaking Friday during a ceremony in which several other new ships were handed over to Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council.

The 600-ton vessel is set for launch next month, and it will be put into service patrolling waters off southern Taiwan. It is one of 141 new vessels the government is commissioning as part of a plan to upgrade and develop Taiwan’s coast guard.

In addition to protecting Taiwan’s waters from poaching and smuggling, the vessel is also ready to undertake military duties if needed.