The Taiwanese Navy continues the process of modernizing its surface fleet and has begun taking steps to select the company responsible for designing its future 6,000-ton displacement frigate. According to information published on the government’s official procurement platform, the naval force launched a public call for the professional service of “design evaluation for the next generation of combat ships,” which will serve as the basis for the design contract to be awarded next year.
According to the Ministry of National Defense’s 2026 budget, the Navy will allocate 142.03 million New Taiwan dollars (approximately 4.4 million U.S. dollars) to the project’s development. The contract will be awarded to local institutions with experience in naval design, which will be required to prepare reference blueprints, technical construction specifications, and scale models for validation in specialized foreign laboratories.
The Navy explained that the decision to move forward with this new program responds to “China’s military threats and maritime disputes in the East and South China Seas,” emphasizing that “it is necessary to develop 6,000-ton frigates” to strengthen its operational capabilities. These vessels will be intended for open-sea training missions, replenishment escort operations, and the protection of maritime communication and supply lines, with the aim of increasing flexibility in the use of naval power.
Official information details that the Navy Command, through the Naval Development Center, is carrying out the call for the “design evaluation of the next generation of combat ships,” with a submission deadline set for November 7. If qualified bidders come forward, the bidding process is expected to move forward in the following months, ensuring the start of the design contract during the next year.
The project is part of Taipei’s “domestic warship manufacturing” policy, which seeks to strengthen the local industry and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. Previously, the Navy had launched the so-called “Zhenhai Project,” aimed at developing a 4,500-ton missile frigate with advanced command, surveillance, and air defense capabilities. However, delays in its execution led to the prioritization of the construction of two prototype light frigates in 2022, while the new 6,000-ton program resumes the original goal with an expanded scope.
*Cover image for illustrative purposes — Kang Ding-class frigate.
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