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Light frigates set to replace Taiwan’s ageing Knox class

6th June 2023 - 02:44 GMT | by Charles Au in Taipei

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New light frigates for the ROC Navy will feature a 2,500t full-load displacement, with both anti-submarine and anti-air variants. (Photo: Charles Au)

Taiwan is pursuing an indigenous construction programme of 12 light frigates to replace six Chi Yang-/Knox-class frigates.

A contract for two new warships was recently awarded to Taiwanese shipyard Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Company (JSSC) in Kaohsiung. Two light frigates will be delivered to the Republic of China Navy (ROCN) before the end of October 2026.

Overall, the project will eventually build 12 warships. They are to replace Vietnam War-era Knox-class frigates that have served the ROCN for more than three decades, not to mention their time in the USN before that.

Instead of classifying the ships as corvettes or OPVs, the ROCN created a new classification of light frigate. These have a 2,000t standard displacement, with

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