As part of its efforts to modernize the capabilities of its surface fleet and reduce the growing technological gap with the People’s Liberation Army, the Taiwanese Navy has finally begun sea trials for the frigate ROCS Chengde (1208)—the first Kang Ding-class vessel (based on the French La Fayette-class) to undergo a comprehensive modernization process. The trial was carried out from the port of Kaohsiung, following the completion of the installation and integration of the new Type 997 surveillance radar and the new Huayang vertical launch missile systems (VLS).
New capabilities in sensors and air defense systems:
The Chengde began its upgrade process at the end of 2023, with the Type 997 surveillance radar and the Huayang VLS installed in April and June of this year, respectively. Available images from the sea trial show the new radar already mounted on the main mast, while the original quad Sea Chaparral missile launcher was removed from the bow and replaced by the hull-integrated VLS, capable of housing up to 32 Sea Sword II (Hai Chien II) surface-to-air missiles. Although part of the system is still covered—obscuring external details—its integration represents a qualitative leap in point air defense for the vessel.
In January of this year, Taiwan had already reported significant progress, hinting that modernization of this first vessel was nearing completion and setting the delivery date for September 2025. According to the official schedule, modernization of the Chengde will be completed before the end of the year, allowing it to reenter service. Starting in 2026, the remaining five frigates of the Kang Ding class will be modernized at a rate of one per year.
Origins of the Kang Ding class
In 1991, Taiwan acquired six La Fayette-class frigates from France for a total of USD 2.8 billion, which were locally adapted and designated as the Kang Ding class. However, due to restrictions in technology transfers, the vessels had to be equipped with alternative systems of U.S. and local origin, limiting their air defense capabilities. Until now, their defensive capacity relied solely on four Sea Chaparral missiles with a range of just 8 km—a capability considered obsolete by modern standards.
With this new upgrade package, the main goal was to strengthen air defense through the Huayang VLS system, which extends the range to about 32 km and increases the missile count eightfold. Additionally, the Type 997 radar offers broader coverage and enhanced tracking of airborne targets, significantly boosting effectiveness in contested or multi-threat environments.
Furthermore, the program also includes the replacement of the DRBV-26D “Jupiter II” radars—normally operating at a rotation speed of 15 rpm. Upon completion of the upgrades, the modernized Taiwanese ships will be equipped with new ARTISAN 3D electronically scanned array radars (Type 997 model), capable of operating at double the rotation speed. These radars are already in service aboard some of the UK’s current Type 23 frigates, future Type 26 frigates, and Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
Cooperation with France
Finally, it should be noted that the modernization effort was driven by a multi-year plan that allocated NT$43.1 billion (approximately USD 1.37 billion) to upgrade all six Kang Ding-class frigates. In parallel, a spare parts supply contract was signed with France in 2024 for a total of NT$2.49 billion (USD 79.37 million) to ensure the maintenance and operational readiness of the Kang Ding class. The agreement is valid from January 2024 to January 2026.
Cover photo for illustrative purposes only: ROCS Chengde (PFG-1208) – Credit: Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan.
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