Taiwan intends to buy secondhand US frigates

13.01.2010
Taiwan intends to purchase eight secondhand Perry-class frigates from the U.S., reports AFP. The island state will upgrade them with Aegis multifunction tactical data system and new missile launchers. Consequently, Taiwanese Perry-class fleet will be increased up to 16 frigates.

That information was reported few days after the U.S. approved delivery of SAM systems Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) to Taiwan. Transaction value is about $1 bln. The U.S. sanctioned missile delivery despite protest of China concerned of Taiwan's intention to strengthen its combat potential.

Perry-class frigates were developed in the U.S. in 70-ies. Most of them are still in service at US Navy and some other states like Taiwan, Spain, Australia, Poland etc. Taiwan purchased first parcel of eight frigates in 90-ies.

Perry-class frigates (full name is Oliver Hazard Perry) have maximum speed over 29 knots and operational range up to 4,500 miles. In-service ships have different armament, radars and navigational equipment as some of them were upgraded. Typical arms of Perry-class frigates are deck launcher for 36 SAM and 4 antiship missiles, gun mount and two 324-mm torpedo tubes.

Source: Lenta.RU