By Wang, Jyh-perng and Tan, Chih-lung
The Indigenous Defense Submarines program has had a long and convoluted history.
Taiwan’s Indigenous Defense Submarines (IDS) program has attracted considerable attention in recent years. The diverse information disclosed either by officials or by the media has often been confusing or lacking in credibility. In response to the government’s caution, the media has tried to dig out whatever it can from the limited information that is in circulation, often leading to exaggeration. The authors attempt here to leave the speculation behind, and provide a broader, clearer perspective based on their own extended observation. The article analyzes documentation from credible open sources. (Any consistencies with classified information are purely coincidental).
Strategies of the MND and ROCN
Taiwan has wanted to build its own submarine fleet for almost six decades, with enthusiasm especially evident during the era of former President Chiang Ching-kuo. After purchasing two Dutch-made ZWAARDVIS-class submarines in the late 1980s, Taiwan had the option of acquiring more submarines from the Netherlands, Ukraine or Germany, but high prices and, more importantly, Taiwan’s lack of interest, prevented a deal.
Another opportunity for Taiwan to acquire new submarines emerged when former U.S. President George W. Bush gave the go-ahead in 2001 for the sale of eight diesel-electric submarines. Unfortunately, because of Taiwan’s insistence on the application of the Foreign Military Sale program rather than a commercial sale mechanism, and its refusal to accept a U.S. proposal involving the building of smaller tonnage (500-1000 tons) vessels, Taiwan once again missed a key opportunity. This outcome had much to do with the reluctance at that time of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) and the Navy (ROCN) to get involved in an indigenous submarine program.
In recent years, the situation has changed somewhat. The delays of the 2001 submarine sales program and the growing military imbalance across the Taiwan Strait have finally convinced the MND and ROCN to seriously consider the unfavorable political reality and the critical need for submarines in Taiwan’s defense scenario.
Read the full story at The Diplomat