Countermeasures for Taiwanese frigates trigger Chinese unease
Not for the first time, controversy dogs the six Kang Ding-class frigates bought by Taiwan in the 1990s, as China continues to apply pressure on the besieged island nation.
The vessels (built in France and related in design to the La Fayette class) were commissioned into service with the Republic of China Navy (ROCN) from 1996 to 1998, but the deal caused a political storm in France where the deal was marred by allegations of irregularities during negotiations for their purchase.
Now, the frigates are in the spotlight once again after the Chinese government protested about plans
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters]()
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028]()
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
