President Lai Ching-te attended the keel-laying ceremony for an antiair light frigate prototype Nov. 4 in southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City, praising the progress made in Taiwan’s domestic shipbuilding project and pledging to continue enhancing the country’s defense capabilities.
The successful development of the 2,500-ton prototype, which is the first ROC (Taiwan) Navy second-class combat ship built indigenously, marks a milestone in Taiwan’s national defense industry, Lai said. It showcases the fruitful results of the country’s ongoing shipbuilding project and exemplifies Taiwan’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty and way of life, he added.
The president said the achievement additionally demonstrates that the national defense industry is going from strength to strength, which he attributed to collaborative efforts by academic institutions, businesses and the government over the past several years. Lai expressed appreciation to the Ministry of National Defense, the Navy, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology in the northern city of Taoyuan and Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Co. in Kaohsiung for their contributions to the construction of the vessel and the industry’s growth.
According to Lai, the light frigate will be equipped with NCSIST-developed antiair and antiship missiles, as well as advanced reconnaissance, artillery and battle management systems to better protect the country’s maritime borders. The president concluded by vowing to ensure the country’s safety while completing domestic shipbuilding industrial chains to boost the country’s economic development.
The antiair light frigate prototype is one of two being built by Jong Shyn. The other is an antisubmarine prototype, and they are both scheduled for delivery to the Navy by October 2026. (YCH-E)
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from Taiwan Today – Top News