We need more subs, says Taiwan, as it aims to bolster its naval defences in face of Beijing’s increasing belligerence
Self-ruled island’s ‘top priority’ is to build its own submarine fleet as it looks to counter mainland China’s aggressive stance
Taiwan’s main defence priority is to upgrade its ageing submarines and build its own fleet of new subs, according to a long-time US defence contractor with Taiwan, as foreign companies offer competing designs for vessels that can be built on the island.
After Washington granted a licence in April allowing US technology transfers to help Taiwan build its own submarines, local media reported that six foreign firms have submitted design proposals for Taiwan’s indigenous defence submarine (IDS) programme, regarded as critical to deterring an increasingly assertive Beijing.
It has been a difficult process for the programme, which was started in December 2014, to gain access to sensitive technological know-how and components to build its intended eight diesel-electric submarines and to update its existing four – only two of which can be used for combat.
The Rehfeldt Group, a US company that has worked for decades on military technology transfers and sales to Taiwan, said it is now helping Taiwan upgrade its defence equipment, such as transport aircraft, but that the island needs to focus on submarine development.
“They have a strong navy, they have a strong air force, they have very good hi-tech weapons, but basically they need submarines to protect the undersea area,” Edward Rehfeldt, chairman and chief executive of the company, said.
He declined to say whether his company was working with Taiwan on submarine technology.
“Our main interest really was to help Taiwan build its own systems; being dependent on another country all the time isn’t good,” he said, in reference to the United States.