Taiwan's Kuang Hua III [Glorious China] naval modernization program
included the acquisition of 12 Ching Chiang-class 580-ton guided missile patrol
combatants [the number was evidently later reduced to 11, not 12]. As of
mid-1999, five had been launched, but, because of failure by the lead unit to
pass sea trials, none had been accepted into service, far behind program
schedule. The fire control system (FCS) of the new missile patrol craft RCNS
Dang Chiang repeatedly failed acceptance trials in 1999, resulting in Navy's
refusal to accept the ship. Built under the Kuang Hua-3 program, Dang
Chiang was the first of the Ching Chiang-class patrol craft, construction for
which began in September 1997. The patrol ship Chuchiang, the 11th and
the last of the Chinchiang-class vessels, was christened in early March 2000.
The patrol craft RCNS Jin Chiang was launched on 13 May 1999, with delivery
expected before the year's end.