The first Kang Ding-class frigate to be modernised, Chen De (PFG-1208), has begun its sea trials with an upgraded radar suite and air defence firepower.
Taiwanese photographer Roger Lin shared the photos of the first modernised Kang Ding-class frigate based on the French La Fayette design.
Naval News reported that the frigate’s prime changes include the replacement of the Triton G medium-range air search radar with BAE Systems Type 997 ARTISAN radar, which offers better performance against low RCS/high-speed targets.
Another important change is the scrapping of the now obsolete MIM-72C Sea Chaparral system with four AIM-9D missiles. The launcher with small capacity and missiles outdated for modern threats has been replaced with the locally developed Hua Yang VLS.
Reportedly, Kang Ding-class frigates will be able to carry 32 TC-2N medium-range air defence missiles, which are far better suited for supersonic anti-ship missiles and other air-breathing targets. TC-2N, developed from the TC-2 air-to-air missile, uses an active radar seeker with midcourse guidance from the launcher. As a two-stage missile with a small booster, TC-2N can reach a range of 30 km. The new air defence missile is also used on Tuo Chiang-class corvettes and Yushan-class LPDs, but in deck-mounted launchers.
All of the six Kang Ding-class frigates are expected to be modernised by 2030, according to the CNA news agency.
On the Way to the Taiwanese Light Frigate
Kang Ding-class frigate modernisation is a stepping stone on the way to Taiwan’s localisation in building and fitting frigates. The endgame is the Taiwanese Light Frigate (TLF) programme adopting a similar approach with the successful Tuo Chiang-class corvettes in terms of a small-sized package delivering the maximum possible firepower and a reliable sensor suite.
The TLF is aimed as a ship with a displacement of 2500 to 3000 tonnes with ASW, AAW, and ASuW capabilities.
The ship is expected to use the CS/MPQ-90 multi-function radar or an upgraded version of it as the main sensor.
The armament will consist of at least eight Hua Yang VLS cells, four slots for Hsiung Feng II/III anti-ship missiles, aft CIWS, a 76 mm naval gun, and XTR-102A2 20 mm twin-gun RCWS.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
