TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Navy plans to send 22 officers to Europe and North America next year to train on battle management and radar systems for its new light frigates, reports said Tuesday (Sept. 3).

An anti-submarine and an air defense variant should be ready in 2026, with 12 light frigates to replace the aging Chi Yang-class frigates. According to Ministry of National Defense (MND) documents for its 2025 budget, the Navy will spend NT$4.96 million (US$154,800) to send the officers overseas, per the Liberty Times.

The Navy will first select 16 officers to study the battle management system for the ships in North America in January, June, and July 2025. For the radar systems, three officers will travel to Europe in June and three others in October. 

The MND did not say where in Europe the study program will take place. The intention is for the students to turn into teachers to other Navy staff after their return to Taiwan.

The light frigates will reportedly be equipped with the UK-made BAE Systems Type 997 Artisan radar. The company described the system as a medium-range air and surface surveillance 3D radar with electronic protection measures to counter jammers.