Defense News

In response to media reports that "the upgrade of Lafayette-class frigate has actually been bogus indigenous build-up, it was rumored that faction elders and arms dealers are found behind the scene?", the Navy Command states today (7) that the content of report is purely speculative and not factual. The Command has made the explanation as follows:

1. The preparations for the build-up and establishment of various naval weapons and equipment are done upon enemy threats and guidance of joint combat strength and planning from the Armed Forces, which are then handled with careful evaluation. In principle, the Armed Forces will adopt weapons and equipment researched and developed by National Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology (NCIST) when they are cleared and completed of combat evaluation and meet combat requirements of the Forces. Most of all, these weapons and equipment should mainly carry out operation missions in order to facilitate build-up of the case.
2. The equipment required for the case is prepared of build-up (purchased) based on combat requirements, and the case has been conducted according to the rules of establishment operations. As such, the content of report is not factual and the Command should hereby clarify.
3. The Command calls upon the media to do their best for verification, and must not make wild assumptions and reports to confuse the general public. Besides, the Armed Forces will continue to uphold cautious and rigorous attitude to promote various projects as it prepares for arms build-up of naval combat force in line with defense operations, and the Command appeals to our nationals for support.