Posted on 02/26/2012 11:47:19 PM PST by U-238
Taiwan's navy will arm its submarines with anti-ship missiles for the first time ever beginning next year, a report said Wednesday, as the island boosts its defence capabilities against rival China.
The Taipei-based United Daily News said the navy, which ordered the US-built Harpoon missiles in 2008, recently test-fired the weapons in the United States, in preparation for installing them on its two Dutch-built submarines.
"The missiles will become operational on the two submarines next year," the newspaper said, citing an unnamed naval source.
It said that the more than 30 missiles, which have a range of 120 kilometres (72 miles), will give the two submarines long-distance strike capabilities that they have previously lacked.
Taiwan's navy declined to comment on the report, citing a long-standing policy of not discussing arms purchases with the media.
Taiwan, which already has Harpoons installed on frigates and F-16 fighter jets, ordered the submarine-launched missiles in 2008 as part of a $6.5 billion arms sale that sparked strong protests from Beijing.
The deal also included advanced interceptor Patriot missiles and Apache attack helicopters.
Ties between Taipei and Beijing have improved markedly since Ma Ying-jeou of the China-friendly Kuomintang party came to power in 2008 promising to boost trade links and allow more Chinese tourists to visit the island.
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About time. Also, if any nation in the globe requires modern D-E submarines it is Taiwan. As a system, and considering the needs of the nation and the series of threats it faces, it is an absolute necessity. Unfortunately, getting some has proved quite difficult - and I believe they have now decided to construct their own (which means more time tacked on). Or they could pick the 214s meant for Greece, although I am sure there would be some issues with going that route as well. Anyways, small mercies.
Sublaunch...
Nice, but isn’t this rather outdated? Compared to the Indian/Russian Bramos which goes close to Mach 3 at sea level?
I would think Harpoons would be rather easy to shoot down given the latest AEGIS type radars and CIWS radar guided guns and missiles.
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