According to information published by Taipei Times on July 19, 2022, the Executive Yuan might allocate a budget of as much as US$10 billion for seven additional submarines. The first Taiwanese Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) is expected to be launched in September.
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Opening ceremony of the submarine factory (Picture source: news.586)
The Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program is a Taiwanese project to develop and build in-house a class of attack submarines for the Republic of China Navy.
The first indigenous diesel-electric submarine is expected to enter service in 2025, to be followed by seven more. They will replace the four aging submarines the country received several decades ago.
The exterior design appears to resemble Japan's Soryu- and Oyashio-class SSKs, with an X-shaped rudder. The ships will be assembled using Japanese shipyards. The ships will be assembled in Taiwan using Japanese construction techniques.
According to some reports, a version of the AN/BYG-1 submarine combat management system, used in the US Navy's nuclear submarines, is being offered in Taiwan. In addition, the design is believed to have been influenced by the Dutch submarines currently operated by Taiwan. The vessels are estimated to be in the 2,500-ton class and 70 meters in length.
The armament of the first indigenous defense submarine will consist of MK-48 Mod 6 Advanced heavy torpedoes and Harpoon Block II UGM-84L submarine-launched missiles.
