The Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Group hosted an installation ceremony for the Navy’s new light frigate this Monday at their Singkao shipyard. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) presided over the ceremony, stating that this ship is significant for how it demonstrates the steady progress of national shipbuilding policy, indicates the national defense industry is growing stronger, and enhances overall defense capabilities.
The Navy began building one 2,500-ton light frigate outfitted for air defense last November and another equipped for anti-submarine warfare this January. Lai said that the air-defense frigate is the Navy’s first domestically-built combat ship of its class and the ceremony held this Monday celebrates its installation. He added that the Navy will be able to carry out more advanced maritime missions more safely with the addition of this frigate.
Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Founder Han Pi-hsiang (韓碧祥) also shared that the light frigate’s construction was a challenge, but indicated that he had confidence in his shipbuilding team to complete the mission and secure a safer future for Taiwan.
Lai emphasized that the government vigorously promotes domestically producing national warships to both strengthen defenses and economic development by encouraging collaboration between industries, government agencies, academia, and researchers. He thanked the private shipbuilding company, Defense Ministry, Navy, National Chung-shan Institute of Science and Technology, and other involved parties for their part in the completion of the project.