Want China Times
Date: 2015-10-15
By: CNA
Taiwan will continue its efforts to acquire diesel-electric submarines to
One of the ROC Navy’s Hai Lung-class submarines takes part in the annual Han Kuang military drills, Sept. 17, 2014. (File photo/Wang Yuan-mao)
replace its aging subs and strengthen the country’s naval defense capabilities, the country’s Ministry of National Defense said Wednesday.
During a hearing of the legislature’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee, defense minister Kao Kuang-chi also said that the ministry has allocated NT$98.2 billion (US$3.02 billion) to cover the procurement from the United States of UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, Perry-class frigates and the Patriot Advanced Capability missile system, as well as a retrofit program for its F-16A/B fighter jets and other weapons systems.
Meanwhile, the ministry will continue to make efforts to acquire diesel-electric submarines to replace the country’s aging sub fleet, Kao told lawmakers.
According to the defense budget for 2016 sent to the Legislative Yuan in August for approval, the ROC Navy is planning to launch the first phase of the project next year, starting with a design contract, and has proposed a budget of NT$500 million (US$15.45 million) for the first year of the project. [FULL STORY]
