According to information published by Liberty Times Net on January 16, 2024, the Taiwanese Navy has commenced the construction of two prototype light frigates.
Following the start of the Air Defense variant last November, sources reveal that the Anti-Submarine variant officially began construction today. Unlike the air defense version, which is equipped with a vertical launching system, the anti-submarine model will feature inclined missile launchers and is set to be outfitted with towed array sonar systems, enhancing its anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
In recent years, the Chinese Communist Party’s military threats towards Taiwan have intensified. Due to delays in acquiring new generation missile frigates with a displacement of 4500 tons, older ships like the Chi Yang-class frigates continue to monitor Chinese vessels under challenging conditions.
As a result, in 2022, the Taiwanese Navy redirected a budget of over 24.5 billion NT dollars from the missile frigate program to the construction of these two light frigate prototypes, one each of the anti-submarine and air defense types, each with a displacement of about 2500 to 3000 tons. The project was awarded to China Shipbuilding Corporation.
According to military plans, both light frigate prototypes are expected to be completed by 2026. The air defense prototype already began construction last November. The groundbreaking ceremony for the anti-submarine prototype was held today, attended by dignitaries including China Shipbuilding Corporation Chairman Han Bixiang and Navy Commander Admiral Tang Hua.