[Tallguy]

How long has it been since the US build a diesel-powered submarine? The 1950s.

Yes, but there was a thread earlier in the week stating that Grumman-Northrup just purchased the German company that builds the (diesel electric) type 209 sub -- a very capable design. So you see, the Germans object to the sale of the subs, but they have no problem selling the entire sub-builder. As I understand it, the American/German ownership is something like 95% (US) versus 5% (German). Now if the Germans still refuse to give permission to build the subs, Northrup-Grumman can take the designs elsewhere.

[Paleo Conservative]

Yes, but there was a thread earlier in the week stating that Grumman-Northrup just purchased the German company that builds the (diesel electric) type 209 sub -- a very capable design.

My main point in my response was to explain why the US would help Taiwan build diesel submarines in Taiwan instead of buying them already built in the US.

[Al B.]

Now if the Germans still refuse to give permission to build the subs, Northrup-Grumman can take the designs elsewhere.

NG doesn't need any German company to help them design and build subs. They have Newport News Shipbuilding -- currently building Virginia-class boats.

While I can understand buying the German design to conserve stretched-out engineering resources here in the US, I don't understand why NG would buy a German design, then turn around and have the boats built in Taiwan.  What's in it for them?