The US Navy will provide the Taiwanese Navy with two Perry Class frigates to increase the island’s defence capabilities.

The US Government has notified Taiwan of the sale of $40m two Perry Class frigates, which can be used to launch marine patrol helicopters.

Taiwan’s Navy is in a five-year navy build-up programme that began in 2008 and currently operates a fleet of eight Perry Class frigates, according to naval spokesman Hsia Yu-teh.

Under the build-up programme, Taiwan plans to acquire eight conventional submarines, an unknown number of frigates and guided-missile patrol boats.

In January 2010, the US announced a weapons package for Taiwan that included Patriot missiles, Black Hawk helicopters and equipment for Taiwan’s F-16 fighter jets, according to Taipei’s Apple Daily.

China reportedly increased its missiles aimed at Taiwan from 300 to 1,400 between 2001 to 2008.