FFG-7 FOR TAIWAN CHOICE OF A NEW GENERATION

Following years of indecision and expensive design studies, the Republic of China Navy (ROCN) of Taiwan has finally embarked on an ambitious program to replace its force of ageing surplus US Navy frigates and destroyers over the next 12 years. The new construction will not significantly alter fleet size or composition, which is fairly well established at around 24 major surface units, split between a high-low mix of anti-air warfare/anti-submarine warfare (AAW/ASW) labour division. Moreover, there are plans to build up to six ocean patrol submarines.