Taiwan earmarks billions to build 7 more submarines in bid to deter possible PLA attacks

Analysts have labelled submarine fleet’s huge budget allocation ‘irresponsible’ considering prototype vessel is still being tested

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Taiwan has approved funding for another seven submarines to be based on this prototype, the Hai Kun, which was unveiled in September 2023. Photo: Reuters

Published: 6:00am, 24 Aug 2024Updated: 4:28pm, 24 Aug 2024

Taiwan has earmarked billions of dollars to build seven more submarines over the next 14 years as part of efforts to deter potential attacks from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The budget allocations were approved by the cabinet on Thursday and are expected to be presented to legislators for review and approval at the end of this month.

Analysts said the move showed the resolve of Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te to defend the island, but the administration was “irresponsible” to give the go-ahead for the NT$284 billion (US$8.88 billion) construction project before the submarine prototype had completed sea trials.

Cabinet spokesman Chen Shih-kai said the submarines would be built between 2025 and 2038 as part of the Indigenous Defence Submarine Programme.

“The government is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, continually enhancing national defence capabilities, and implementing policies such as indigenous vessel and aircraft production to build a resilient Taiwan and safeguard national sovereignty,” Chen said.

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Taiwan unveils first home-built submarine to fend off possible attack from mainland China

The prototype of the submarine, named Hai Kun, or Narwhal, by Lai’s predecessor Tsai Ing-wen, was officially unveiled in the southern city of Kaohsiung in September last year. At the time, Tsai said the development showed the island’s ability to make “an impossible task possible”.