Taiwan to Field 10 Light Frigates for Air Defense and ASW (2028–2040)
Taiwan plans to build 10 light frigates—five for air defense and five for anti-submarine warfare—between 2028 and 2040, based on a Gibbs & Cox design and totaling about 2,500 tons each. The program is part of a $9.9 billion six-ship-building package, with $7.8 billion earmarked for the anti-air and ASW ships. The frigates would supplement already commissioned two-per-configuration ships since 2023–2024 and accompany other ROCN acquisitions (submarine rescue ship, fast combat support, rescue vessels, and a 10,600-ton amphibious assault vessel) as Taiwan retires aging Knox-class frigates. Analysts caution about the ships’ survivability in a conflict with a larger PLAN and emphasize balancing capabilities with Taiwan’s nimble missile boats amid ongoing grey-zone threats.