Taiwan to Build 8 Light Frigates Starting with First Two in 2023

Taiwan plans to start building first two of eight new light frigates in 2023 under a $763 million project.

The Ministry of National Defense wanted to construct new-generation guided-missile frigates under the Chen Hai Project. However, due to issues with radar systems and the Navy’s aging Chi Yang-class frigates, it decided to invest in eight light frigates rather than the guided-missile frigates, Liberty Times reported.

The new 92m-long, 12.3m-wide frigates will have a displacement of about 2000 tons. They will be able to attain speeds of 30 knots.

These ships will be used for reconnaissance and patrol missions to maintain the safety of sea lines of communication and safeguard Taiwan's fisheries.

There will reportedly be an air defense variant and an anti-submarine variant among the eight frigates.

The air defense version will be equipped with a vertical launch missile system, while the anti-submarine version will feature a towed sonar system. Both vessels will be equipped with extended-range supersonic anti-ship and air defense missiles.