The Republic of China Navy (ROCN – or the Taiwanese Navy) has launched sea trials for the frigate ROCS Chengde (1208), marking the first comprehensive modernization of a Kang Ding-class vessel. Departing from the port of Kaohsiung, Chengde is the first of Taiwan’s six locally modified La Fayette-class frigates to complete integration of next-generation air defense and surveillance systems, including the British-made Type 997 Artisan radar and the indigenously developed Huayang vertical launch system (VLS).
Modernization of ROCS Chengde began in late 2023, with major installation phases completed by the second quarter of 2025. The Type 997 Artisan radar, now visible atop the ship’s main mast in sea trial photos, replaces the outdated DRBV-26D “Jupiter II” and brings 3D electronically scanned array (ESA) capability, with faster rotation speed and significantly enhanced air tracking precision.
At the same time, the obsolete Sea Chaparral missile launcher at the bow was removed and replaced by a hull-integrated vertical launch system capable of supporting up to 32 Sea Sword II (Hai Chien II) missiles. Although portions of the new VLS remain covered, its placement confirms a substantial upgrade in point air defense capability, improving missile capacity and engagement range from 8 km to 32 km.
These sea trials represent the final validation step before the vessel is officially recommissioned. According to the ROC Navy, each of the remaining five Kang Ding-class frigates will undergo similar upgrades at a pace of one ship per year starting in 2026, continuing through 2031, ensuring a steady and uninterrupted fleet modernization cycle.
The Kang Ding-class frigates are based on the French La Fayette-class, acquired in 1991 through a $2.8 billion agreement with France. Assembly and weapons integration were completed in Taiwan by China SB Corporation, due to technology transfer restrictions from France, which excluded advanced European air defense systems. As a result, Taiwan installed U.S. and domestically developed systems, including the now-obsolete Sea Chaparral.
This modernization programme not only strengthens tactical survivability but also directly responds to increased naval activity by the PLA Navy in waters surrounding Taiwan.
Originally designed by DCN (now Naval Group) in Lorient, France, the La Fayette-class frigate is a 3,600-ton stealth warship tailored for post-Cold War maritime operations. It measures 125 meters long, with a beam of 15.4 meters and a draught of 4.1 meters, reaching 25 knots and capable of 9,000 nautical miles of endurance at 12 knots. It is powered by four SEMT Pielstick 12PA6V280 STC2 diesel engines generating 21,000 hp. The frigate’s stealth design includes angled surfaces, radar-absorbing materials, and internalized equipment, reducing its radar profile significantly.
Its original armament includes:
- A 100 mm Mod.100TR gun
- Eight Exocet MM40 Block 2 anti-ship missiles
- A Crotale CN2 SAM launcher
- Machine guns
- A flight deck and hangar supporting either a Panther or NH90 helicopter
The successful sea trial and upcoming recommissioning of ROCS Chengde mark a crucial step in Taiwan’s naval modernization efforts, significantly enhancing its air defense perimeter, improving resistance to saturation missile attacks, and reinforcing national defense in light of rising regional tensions. This program will help narrow the technological gap between Taiwan and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy), ensuring greater maritime security in contested waters.
