A private shipbuilder in Taiwan has begun construction on an anti-submarine warfare frigate to alleviate the strain on the nation’s fleet. China has been expanding its navy, with plans to grow its submarine force to 65 boats by 2025 and 80 by 2035.
Taiwan intends to acquire 12 light frigates to replace decommissioned vessels, six of which will be for anti-submarine warfare. Construction on the frigates began in January 2023 and is expected to be completed by October 2026.
The two new-generation light frigates are being built at Jong Shyn Shipbuilding and are expected to cost NT$24.6 billion. The anti-submarine warfare variant is designed differently from the anti-air warfare type and will include a towed-array sonar, triple-torpedo launchers, and an Artisan phased-array radar. Other armaments will include anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles, a naval gun, and remote weapon stations.
The shipbuilder has experience with Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration vessels but less experience with navy ships. An analyst expressed concerns about the shipbuilder’s ability to integrate weapons, sensors, and systems.
