The “Gelded Perrys” are only good for interdiction work. After the removal of the Mk 13 GMLS, they are nothing more than oversized Coast Guard Cutters with ASW capabilities. The Mk 13 expanded the capabilities with SM-1MR and Harpoon missiles.
Would Taiwan be planning to install a Mk-41 VLS to be loaded with ESSM’s (enhanced Sea Sparrows)? They already have an anti ship missile, which is derived from the Israeli Gabriel.
All new electronics systems will be added to allow the weapons upgrades and additions. The ships existing Mk13 GMLS pop-up launcher will retain its 40 round magazine, but will be fitted for more advanced SM-2 anti-air missiles and Harpoon strike missiles (usually fitted 32 SM-2 and 8 Harpoon). An 8-cell Mk41 tactical-length (vs. longer strike length) vertical launching system adds room for another 8 SM-2 Standards or up to 32 shorter-range RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow air defense missiles.
Self-contained drop-in weapon changes round out the mix. The ships 20mm Phalanx CIWS last-ditch defense systems will be upgraded to Block 1B for better capabilities against UAVs, helicopters, and small boats; the MU90 Eurotorp lightweight torpedo will be ready in the torpedo tubes; the Harpoon anti-ship missiles will be RGM-84 Block IIs with GPS guidance and land attack capability; and RAFAELs Mini-Typhoon 12.7mm remote weapons systems will supplement the Phalanxs defenses against fast boats and similar threats.
I had a chance to board one when it visited Boston last summer...it was interesting.
I always thought I was decently informed about US Naval capabilities, but I admit I had no idea the Perry’s mission over the years had been shaped by their shortcomings more than most other vessels, and that the missile systems had been pulled.
Furthermore, I was kind of stunned to realize how ill suited they were to blue water operations when the guy told us how difficult the Atlantic crossing was each time they had to do it.
I found it hard to believe they were as ill suited to the open ocean as the Knox class, which I had watched in rough weather up in the Arctic Circle roll and pitch in ways I didn’t think ships did unless they were in hurricanes or typhoons...