Article Posted on : - Jan 11, 2010

Perry-class frigates of US. A file photo.

TAIPEI (AFP/PTI): Taiwan plans to buy eight second-hand Perry-class frigates from the United States despite improved ties with arch rival China, a local newspaper reported on Monday.

The island hopes to arm them with a version of the advanced Aegis Combat System, which uses computers and radars to take out multiple targets, as well as sophisticated missile launch technology, the Taipei-based China Times said.

Taiwan's defence ministry was not immediately available for comment when contacted by AFP Monday.

The United States designed the Perry-class frigates in the 1970s but the majority remains in service, equipped with various forms of modern technology.

The deal would add to Taiwan's existing inventory, as it already has eight Perry-class frigates built on the island.

The China Times report came less than a week after the US Defense Department said it had approved the sale of Patriot missile equipment to Taiwan as part of a package passed by Congress more than a year ago.

When unveiled in 2008, the package triggered strong protests from Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of its territory and has vowed to take the island back, by force if necessary.