Taipei, Dec. 3 (CNA) Taiwan is seeking to obtain four U.S.-made Kidd-class missile destroyers to replace its aging fleet of destroyers, according to a local evening newspaper Sunday.
The China Times quoted the London-based Jane's Defense Weekly as saying that the deal, if agreed to by Washington, will boost the island's capability to counter Beijing's newly-acquired Sovremenny-class destroyers and Kilo-class submarines from Russia.
Under Taipei's proposal, it will lease the warships for five years, with ownership of the vessels transferred to Taiwan after it pays off the rent of about US$500 million.
Taiwan will use the four Kidds to take the place of its seven destroyers made before World War II.
Taipei has asked to purchase four U.S.-made Arleigh Burke-class destroyers equipped with the Aegis battle management system, but even if Washington agrees to the sale, the state-of-the-art warships are not expected to join the Republic of China Navy until 2010, according to the paper.
The Kidds, which could join the service within five years, might partially fill in the ten-year window, according the China Times.
The Kidd destroyer is armed with a SQS-53 sonar system similar to that used on the Arleigh Burke destroyer, which is very effective in detecting Kilo-class submarines, according to the China Times. (By Maubo Chang)
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