 |
| Royal Australian Navy MH-60R fires a Hellfire missile |
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Taipei wants to replace its aging fleet amid a growing cross-strait military imbalance.
Taiwan’s Navy is seeking to procure new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters via the US Foreign Military Sales program, DefenseNews reported citing a local defense industry source.
According to sources, the Taipei is looking to get eight to 10 MH-60R Seahawk ASW helicopters to replace its aging MD500 “Defender” helicopters in a deal estimated at $700 to $800 million. An announcement is expected by the end of this year and a possible letter of acceptance by 2016.
The MH-60R Seahawk – dubbed the world’s most advanced maritime helicopter – is currently deployed by the U.S. Navy as the primary anti-submarine warfare anti-surface weapons system for open ocean and littoral zones. In addition to detecting and prosecuting modern submarines and conducting anti-surface warfare missions, it can also be used for search and rescue, vertical replenishment and medical evacuation as well.
Read the full story at The Diplomat