MND proposes NT$2.9 billion for indigenous submarine project

ROC Central News Agency

2015/08/31 15:58:58

Taipei, Aug. 31 (CNA) The Ministry of National Defense on Monday submitted a budget proposal of NT$2.9 billion (US$89.32 million) to the Legislative Yuan for an indigenous submarine project.

The Navy is planning to launch the first phase of the project next year, starting with a design contract, and has proposed a budget of NT$500 million for the first year of the project.

The full submarine project, spread over four years, is estimated to cost NT$2.9 billion, the proposal stated.

According to the ministry's proposal, NT$820 million, spread over three years from 2016 to 2018, has been estimated for the Navy's construction of assault ships and rigid hull inflatable boats, with NT$70 million to be spent in the first year.

There is also a plan to upgrade the electronic warfare system of the Navy's Chien Lung-class submarines at a total estimated cost of NT$290 million. That budget will be spread over four years from 2016 to 2019, with NT$90 million listed for the first year, the ministry said.

In addition, a proposed project to upgrade the telecommunications systems at Taiwan's naval bases is estimated to cost NT$450 million, with NT$28 million to be spent in 2016 and the rest over the following three years, according to the ministry's proposal.

(By Lu Hsin-hui and Y.F. Low)