Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng says the United States has approved an export permit for sensitive submarine equipment that Taiwan needs. Chiu was speaking Tuesday at the Legislature.
The equipment needed for Taiwan’s indigenous submarines include combat system integration, a digital sonar system and periscopes.
Taiwan began building its own indigenous submarines last year. It is expected that the first submarine will be ready in 2024. A fleet will be ready by 2025 at the earliest.
Chiu said it remains uncertain when Taiwan will receive the equipment as there is a due procedure to follow.