TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) praised the nation’s shipbuilding progress at a keel-laying ceremony for the Navy’s light frigate prototype on Monday (Nov. 4).
Lai said Taiwan’s prioritization of domestic shipbuilding has progressed steadily, pointing to the light frigate as an example. Construction of the ship began last November and in under a year, the project has shown tangible results, he said, adding that this demonstrates Taiwan’s firm commitment to bolstering defense.
Taiwan’s shipbuilding goals address defense needs and have encouraged industry, government, and academia sectors to collaborate in enhancing the nation’s defense industrial capacity, Lai said. He thanked all those involved, including CSBC Corporation, the Ministry of National Defense, the Navy, and the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology for their dedication. The president said their work has advanced industry development and set new milestones for self-defense.
Once completed, the frigate will be armed with a vertical missile launch system at the bow to carry air-defense missiles. It will also be outfitted with anti-ship Hsiung Feng missiles.
The president said the ship will be equipped with advanced surveillance and combat management systems. With greater mobility, it will conduct maritime patrols, ensuring that Taiwan’s maritime defense is more robust.
Lai expressed confidence that Taiwan’s shipbuilding will safeguard national security and enhance the local supply chain, contributing to economic development.
The construction of an anti-submarine frigate began this January. It will be outfitted with torpedoes and sonar equipment to detect and eliminate enemy submarines.
The keel-laying ceremony for this prototype is scheduled for February. Both warships are to be delivered by October 2026.