Even though China is edging closer and closer to calling the whole of the China Sea sovereign territory, it seems the U.S. Congress cant get the lead out and authorize the transfer of two (with an option for two more) retired Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG7) class frigates to Taiwan to help hold the line. Taiwan has already agreed to drop $185 million on the ships, which are a near match for their own eight ship Cheng Kung class in hull and machinery if not in armament, but Capitol Hill hasn’t signed the legislation.
USS Elrod (FFG-55), one of four well-used FFG7s identified as up for transfer…should Congress get around to it.
“Taiwan has requested to purchase the two Perry-class frigates, which were previously scheduled to be delivered in 2015 to replace the Navy’s two aging Knox-class frigates. Asked about the report, the Navy said the delivery schedule could be delayed, but did not give specific information on when Taiwan can take delivery of the frigates. The US Senate has not yet agreed the sale because it is focusing on other issues at the moment, the Navy said, stressing that there is no problem with the sale.”
Maybe 2016 is a better year.
