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| Existing Hai Lung-class submarine (Image: Wiki Commons) |
The Republic of China (ROC or Taiwan) Navy said on Thursday it has started design work on its domestic attack submarine programme, hoping to complete it in 2024. Navy Command Headquarters Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Mei Chia-shu told a legislative committee session: “We plan to complete the design by 2019 and complete the construction by 2024.”
The submarine programme is part of Taiwan's new naval acquisition plan which was unveiled late last year. The ROC Navy also have a Destroyer programme as part of this plan.
Under a four-year contract, design work is estimated at Tw$3 billion ($94.46 million). Preparatory work begun last year with an approved budget of Tw$10 million.
Vice Admiral Hsiao Wei-min said last year that "at present the navy's demand is submarines ranging from 1,200-3,000 tons".
Read the full story at Navy Recognition