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Taiwan to upgrade Lafayette-class frigates under US$79 million deal for parts with French defence ministry arm
- Taiwan’s defence ministry says France’s DCI Group will deliver the combat system parts and accessories no later than January 18, 2026
- Long overdue upgrade is part of Taiwanese navy’s bid to modernise amid rising military pressure from Beijing, ministry source tells the Post
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Lawrence Chungin Taipei
Taiwan has signed a NT$2.49 billion (US$79.2 million) deal with France to upgrade its Lafayette-class frigates, as the island’s military seeks to counter growing threats from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
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Observers said the upgrade, which will focus on combat systems, was a necessary move as the French-made warships had long been known for their poor defence capabilities.
However, they might still be no match for the PLA, according to a Taipei-based analyst.
Taiwan’s defence ministry said its European purchase office had signed a deal with France’s DCI Group for the supply of parts and accessories to maintain the fleet’s combat readiness.
DCI – the French defence ministry’s sales arm – is bound under the contract to deliver the items no later than January 18, 2026, the ministry in Taipei announced last week.
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The latest contract is part of the Taiwanese navy’s plan to upgrade all its Lafayette frigates by 2030.
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