Taiwan's defense capabilities are undergoing significant upgrades as the self-ruled island prepares for potential aggression from China. Following a recent overhaul, the Ning Yang frigate, part of the Republic of China Navy's Chi Yang-class, has been refurbished to bolster its operational effectiveness, particularly for anti-submarine warfare.
According to the Central News Agency (CNA), the refurbishment, completed on January 30, 2025, included thorough examinations of the frigate's systems to extend its service life and maintain combat readiness. Originally acquired from the United States as part of the Knox-class frigate program, the Ning Yang is outfitted with advanced tools such as the SQS-26 sonar system and towed array sonar for long-range submarine detection. It also features formidable armament, including anti-ship and anti-submarine capabilities.
The overhaul not only focused on replacing equipment but also aimed at improving the vessel’s fire control and combat management systems. Engineers recalibrated technology to augment targeting accuracy and response times, ensuring the Ning Yang remains effective against any underwater or surface threats.
While Taiwan is reinforcing its naval capabilities, the CNA report stresses the need for broader military modernization to protect against the looming possibility of Chinese aggression. The report identifies lessons drawn from Ukraine's defense efforts, advocating for Taiwan to expand its drone arsenal and bolster satellite communications as part of its strategic imperatives.
Taiwan has already established its National Drone Team, aiming to develop more than 3,200 drones by 2028. Still, experts point out this may fall short compared to the scale of drone operations witnessed during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “Although the Taiwan military has committed to acquiring more than 3,200 drones by 2028, media reports show Ukraine's military has sourced far more,” said Kevin Pollpeter, lead author of the CNA report, during a recent discussion. He emphasized the need for Taiwan to dramatically intensify its drone production efforts to maintain parity.
He also noted, “They’re talking about uncrewed ground systems – very useful in urban situations,” highlighting the types of unmanned systems Taiwan should prioritize for potential urban combat scenarios.
Another pressing concern is establishing strong satellite communications to counter the risks posed by possible Chinese sabotage. Taiwan’s reliance on submarine internet cables has proven precarious, as these lines have reportedly been damaged numerous times between 2017 and 2023. To address these vulnerabilities, efforts are underway to finalize agreements for satellite services with European partners, with plans for enhancements being compared to the extensive capabilities deployed by Ukraine.
A key aspect of Taiwan's military planning includes improvements to its conscription policies. Following the example set by Ukraine and Russia, Taiwan has increased the duration of military service commitments from four months to one year, focusing on training and readiness. Yet, Pollpeter warns of systemic issues, stating, “These garrison troops are going to be the conscripts... trying to bog down the [Chinese People’s Liberation Army],” underscoring the need for adequate training and resources for these troops.
April Herlevi, another co-author of the CNA report, acknowledges the uncertainties surrounding Taiwan’s strategic direction. Herlevi encourages the island's leadership to deeply evaluate its defense needs and local resources rather than solely relying on external advice. “They are taking these discussions to heart and taking it seriously,” she said, indicating how Taiwan is actively adapting military strategies to contemporary threats. This strategic evolution reflects both the immediacy of Taiwan's defense challenges and its attempts at resilience.
Taiwan’s military modernization and strategic planning reflect the island's determination to face the complex defense realities of the modern world. The upgraded capabilities of the Ning Yang frigate exemplify this commitment to fortifying maritime security. With regional tensions on the rise, Taiwan's adjustments to its defense strategies will be pivotal as it prepares for potential conflicts with far-reaching consequences.