Taiwan’s Navy hosted a keel laying ceremony for its indigineous submarine on Tuesday to mark the completion of its first construction phase. This comes just two days before Chiayi County will see F-16Vs join its Air Force base. The two events mark a strengthening of Taiwan’s defenses.
The government has allocated NT$49 billion (US$1.8 billion) over seven years to build an indigenous submarine. Keel laying recognizes the start of a vessel's construction. The first stage of construction includes the welding of the pressure hull and sail. After the submarine passes high hydraulic pressure tests, the periscope and antenna can be installed as well.
The prototype of the indigenous submarine is scheduled to be completed in 2024 and delivered to the Navy in 2025. The submarine is part of the nation’s plans to build stronger indigeneous defense capabilities as it faces greater threats from China.
Taiwan also plans to spend NT$110 billion (near US $4 billion) to have Lockheed Martin and the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation upgrade 141 of Taiwan’s F-16 A/B fighter jets to F-16Vs Block 20. The Air Force will host a ceremony on Thursday to welcome the F-16Vs.
