Kang Ding-class

The Kang Ding-class frigate is a variant of the French La Fayette-class design, constructed by DCNS for the Republic of China Navy (ROCN). The class originated from a US$1.75 billion agreement finalized in the early 1990s. Six vessels were completed and commissioned between 1996 and 1998: Kang Ding (PFG-1202), Si Ning (PFG-1203), Kun Ming (PFG-1205), Di Hua (PFG-1206), Wu Chang (PFG-1207), and Chen De (PFG-1208). All six ships remain in active service.

The vessels are configured for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and surface attack. The design includes armored protection for munition magazines and control centers. Propulsion is provided by four SEMT Pielstick diesel engines. Each ship carries one Sikorsky S-70C(M) helicopter and is equipped with a hangar and helipad. The original sensor suite comprised the Thales Tacticos combat data system, Jupiter-II air search radar, Triton G search radar, and Thomson Marconi sonar systems, including both bow-mounted and towed arrays. Initial armament consisted of eight Hsiung Feng II anti-ship missiles, the MIM-72 Chaparral surface-to-air missile system, an OTO Melara 76 mm gun, two Bofors 40 mm guns, and a Phalanx CIWS.

In 2021, the ROCN initiated a NT$43.16 billion Combat System Performance Improvement Project scheduled to run through 2029. This modernization program focuses on the replacement of the Triton G radar with the BAE Type 997 Artisan radar and the installation of the Hua Yang vertical launch system (VLS). The VLS replaces the Sea Chaparral system and is designed to carry 32 TC-2N surface-to-air missiles. Additional upgrades include the Thales SENIT combat management system and SAFRAN PASEO NS photoelectric tracking systems. The Chen De (PFG-1208) began sea trials for the upgraded configuration in July 2025, with the modernization of the class expected to continue through the end of the decade.