Rewritten – October 2001

1. Kang Ding (La Fayette) Class Guided Missile Frigates: The Republic of China Navy (ROCN) is considering a proposal by Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST) to upgrade the Kang Ding (La Fayette) class ships with the indigenous vertically-launched TC-2 surface-to-air missile system (SAM). The actual VLS system may either be Lockheed Martin's Mk-41, Raytheon's Mk-48, an indigenous VLS, or even the French Sylver system, depending on the missile system ultimately chosen. By late 2000, apparently the ROCN had still not decided on the future SAM as reports began to surface concerning a secret deal which involved the ROCN and Directions Constructions des Navales International (DCNI) concerning procurement of the Aster 15 SAM. However, the price quoted was extraordinarily high, and recent convictions in the kick-back scandal concerning the La Fayette deal may have in fact put at end to the Aster 15. Additional reporting also indicates that the French Sadral missile is also a possibility, however, the kick-back scandal may have an effect on this plan as well. Other SAM options could possibly involve the Raytheon SM-2MR and the SM-1MR missile (already in use with the seven Cheng Kung class). Reports also indicate that the Raytheon Mk 15 20mm close-in-weapon system (CIWS) may also be replaced by the Raytheon Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM). Due to budget constraints, and the April 2001 arms package offer from the US, funding will be extremely tight for the near term, and modernization of the La Fayette class may be delayed for several years.

Technical problems with the vertical-launched TC-2 SAM system have also contributed to the postponement of a decision on at least the air defense upgrade portion of the prospective modernization program for the Kang Ding (Lafayette)-class frigates. The CSIST exhibited schematics depicting a possible TC-2 retrofit configuration onboard a (Cheng Kung-class/PFG-2) frigate at the 2001 Paris Air Show. However, ROC Navy, which CSIST had long anticipated could be the launch customer for the vertical-launched TC-2 system, has obviously found the system's performance unable to meet its operational requirements. CSIST is now trying to develop and test an improved version of the vertical-launched missile.

2. Knox Class Frigates: Taiwan will keep all eight units of the Knox class frigates it acquired from the US. The last two units received (October 1999) were purchased outright, and the FY1999 US Defense Authorization Act authorized the permanent transfer of the remaining six units. A major modernization program to keep these ships in service for the foreseeable future will probably consist of upgrades to the AN/SQS-26 bow-mounted sonar, a digital plotting table, an automated anti-submarine warfare (ASW) combat system, an active towed-array sonar, a new fire control radar director, a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, and acquisition of ASW helicopters to operate from the ships.

A USQ-132 TDSS was fitted in Lan Yang (ex-Joseph Hewes) for trials while the ROCN crew was conducting work-ups in Long Beach before bringing the ship to Taiwan. Reports from the ROCN commanding officer and crew were extremely positive about the automated TMA and underwater picture compilation capabilities provided by the system. The additional seven units will probably also be fitted with this unit.

Some type of air defense missile system will probably be added to these units. The US Navy’s Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) and RAM system may be retrofitted to provide an anti-ship missile defense (ASMD) capability. Additionally, the Chung Shan Institute of Science & Technology (CSIST -- the MoND’s weapons systems development authority) is also developing an indigenous naval point defense SAM that uses a vertical-launched version of the Tien Chien 2 (TC-2) active radar guided air-to-air missile (AAM). The TC-2 may also be an option for the Knox class units as well.

There continue to be discussions, mostly with U.S. firms, regarding studies to modernize the towed array sonar on the Knox class ships. Companies believed to have been offering proposals include EDO, Lockheed Martin, and L-3 Communications.

A Knox class upgrade program is not a high priority initiative, and none of the initiatives discussed above are funded. However, the ROCN is reportedly examining its options and may submit the Knox class upgrade program for funding as part of the FY2002 or 2003 budget submission.

3. Cheng Kung Class Frigates: The seven units of the Cheng Kung class are in the process of receiving incremental upgrades. For example, the indigenously produced Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST) Type-75 (modified M-39A2) 20mm cannon have been installed in all Cheng Kung class units to provide an improved anti-small craft capability and for low-intensity situations during peacetime operations. The ROCN ordered at least one Medium-PRF Upgrade kit to bring the air search radar up to the AN/SPS-49A standard, but this kit may be used in the new construction eighth unit of the class. The ROCN is also in the process of upgrading all of its Phalanx CIWS to Block 1A standard, including those installed in the Cheng Kung class. In the intermediate term, the ROCN plans to upgrade the combat management system and add a point defense missile system. The RAM system, which is integrated with the US Navy’s SSDS, is favored. The CSIST is also developing an indigenous naval point defense SAM system, the Tien Chien 2 (TC-2) derivative, with potential application for the Cheng Kung class.

As noted under the Cheng Kung report, all ships of the class will now be retro-fitted with Harpoon II (RGM-84L) missiles in lieu of the HF-2 missiles. Removal of HF-2 launchers from atop the superstructure would reduce weight and moment, thus facilitating any modernization initiatives that might entail additional topside weight and/or space. Also, the ROCN is considering the removal of the 40mm/L70 gun turrets from the existing ships of this class, which should also free up significant weight above the main deck level.

4. Hai Lung Class Submarines: The ROCN’s two Hai Lung class submarines were commissioned in 1987 and 1988 and will be due for their mid-life upgrades in the next five years. No firm details have emerged concerning proposed upgrade initiatives (other than required hull and mechanical work), but some of the initiatives the CSIST has been pursuing (submarine sensors and combat management systems, heavy weight torpedoes, torpedo launching equipment, and fire control systems) will probably be part of the package. Under George Bush’s arms package proposal of 23 April 2001, the Mk 48 heavyweight torpedo and the UGM-84 submarine-launched Harpoon missiles were offered, and will be utilized in the Hai Lung class.

5. Jin Chiang (Kwang Hua 3) Class Patrol Boat: As part of the plan to reinstate Harpoon missile capability to the Cheng Kung-class ships, HF-2 anti-ship missiles originally fitted to the first seven frigates are slated for transfer to the Jin Chiang class patrol boats over the next few years. Each ship is expected to receive 4 HF-2 launchers, together with the associated MCS control consoles. Presumably, some form of datalink capability would also have to be fitted, to provide the over-the horizon targeting (OTH-T) without which it would not be possible to justify the installation of the 150km-range HF-2 missiles. It is possible that the lead unit of the class (Jing Chiang) may not be retrofitted, since it is already equipped with a complete HF-1 system (launchers and MFCS). Also, some of the later Jin Chiang units may be armed with the Singapore Technologies-Kinetics (Allied Ordnance of Singapore) AOS 40mm/L70 gun, instead of the Bofors mount used on earlier ships. The lead ship (Jin Chiang) is fitted with a European-made off-board countermeasures system, but no similar launcher groups have been installed on any of her sisters to date. A class-wide retrofit program seems possible, but may be hampered by funding. Also, if cost should become a concern, ROCN may well start looking at some sort of locally-produced solution as an option.

6. Hsuing Feng 3 SSM: Reporting indicates that the CSIST developed Hsuing Feng 3 missile has undergone successful tests as of late 2000. With a range of 160 kilometers (99.2 miles), the longer range missile was developed to boost the ROCN’s long-range surface warfare capabilities. Even though reports claim that these missiles will probably enter series production by 2003, a more realistic estimate of initial operational capability (IOC) would be 2005 – 2006. All major surface combatants will probably become candidates for this new system. Additionally, the CSIST will probably also develop an encapsulated version for submarine launch.

7. Harpoon SSM: As part of the weapons package offered by President George Bush Jr on 23 April 2001, the ROCN will probably approve the offer of 100 of the RGM-84L Block II Harpoon SSMs. These missiles will be in addition to the 71 missiles ordered in late 2000, and may be utilized on all surface combatants and submarines in the ROCN fleet. Please refer to paragraph three for more details.