TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The defense ministry has outlined plans to purchase more than a dozen naval vessels through 2040, aiming to bolster domestic shipbuilding.
The Navy will procure a submarine rescue and salvage ship between 2027 and 2033 for about NT$13.2 billion (US$416.94 million), CNA reported Monday.
It will also procure another Yushan-class amphibious dock landing ship between 2028 and 2034, with a budget of about NT$13.4 billion. The ship can carry armed personnel and military and medical equipment and conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
Other planned vessels include another Panshi-class fast combat support ship between 2027 and 2032 for NT$17.2 billion; two rescue ships between 2027 and 2034 for NT$21.8 billion; and five anti-submarine light frigates and five air defense light frigates between 2028 and 2040 for NT$250 billion.
On Thursday, the Navy began shallow-diving tests off the coast of Kaohsiung for its Narwhal submarine. The next phase of tests will include deep dives to more than 200 meters south of Xiaoliuqiu. Taiwan plans to build seven additional submarines.
