The Taiwanese Navy is preparing to begin, in the near term, the modernization of the second Kang Ding–class frigate, after the vessel recently entered the CSBC shipyard located in the city of Kaohsiung. The process is part of a comprehensive upgrade program covering six ships of this class, aimed at improving their combat systems and air-defense capabilities.
According to local observers, the Kang Ding–class frigate with hull number 1202 arrived in Taiwan at around 11:00 a.m. on the 2nd. During its entry into the shipyard, it was noted that much of the platform for the Poseidon G low-altitude search radar, located behind the aft mast, had already been dismantled. Likewise, the Sea Tree surface-to-air missile launcher, positioned at the B-gun location, was removed as part of the preparations for the planned upgrades.
Progress in the naval modernization program
The arrival of this second frigate follows the completion of a performance upgrade project on the frigate Chengde, also a member of the Kang Ding class. This unit has been fitted with the Sea Sword II air-defense missile, which is expected to undergo live-fire testing in the near future.
The modernization plan promoted by the Navy involves an investment exceeding NT$43.159 billion and focuses on upgrading combat systems, air-defense radars, and missile capabilities. In particular, the B-gun position will be fitted with a copy of the Hua Yang vertical launch system, developed by the Chung-Shan National Institute of Science and Technology, in combination with the Jian-2 air-defense missile. This configuration is intended to expand the ships’ air-defense and missile-defense capabilities.
According to the official schedule, the complete modernization project for the six Kang Ding–class frigates is expected to run through 2030.
Frigates with more than 25 years of service
Kang Ding–class frigates have been in service with the Taiwanese Navy for more than 25 years. Based on the design of the French Navy’s La Fayette–class frigates, these ships were notable at the time for their stealth characteristics and for possessing anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
However, at the time of their acquisition, Taiwan was unable to incorporate the full range of weapon systems envisioned in the original design, leading to the integration of alternative U.S.-made and locally produced equipment. As a result, the frigates operated for years with limited air-defense capabilities, relying on Sea Chaparral missiles with an approximate range of 8 kilometers.
The modernization program seeks to reverse this situation through the installation of the Hua Yang vertical launch system, which will increase air-defense range to around 32 kilometers and raise the number of available missiles from 4 to 32 units of the Sea Sword II variant.
Cooperation with France for fleet sustainment
In parallel with the combat upgrades, Taiwan signed a contract with France in 2024 to ensure the maintenance and operational readiness of its six Kang Ding–class frigates. The agreement, valued at NT$2.49 billion (USD 79.37 million), is in force from January 18, 2024, to January 18, 2026, with Kaohsiung designated as the location of execution.
According to Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA), the Ministry of National Defense stated that this contract will allow the La Fayette–based frigates to maintain their level of combat readiness, in a context marked by the frequent presence of Chinese ships and aircraft in Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
With the upcoming modernization of the second unit at the CSBC shipyard, the Taiwanese Navy continues to advance the upgrade of one of the core platforms of its surface fleet.
*Images for illustrative purposes.
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