The Defense Ministry says the navy’s plan to purchase next-generation helicopters is underway. That’s the word from Defense Ministry spokesman David Lo on Tuesday.
Lo was responding to a Defense News report about the navy’s plan to procure MH-60R Seahawk anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters.
Lo said the Seahawks are not the only option.
“With outdated equipment, the navy needs to purchase the next-generation anti-submarine helicopters. However, MH-60R Seahawks are not necessarily the main or only choice for the Navy Command Headquarters. The navy will have an overall plan based on needs for military preparedness and anti-submarine warfare,” said Lo.
Meanwhile, Lo said China’s deployment of short-range ballistic missiles has posed a threat to Taiwan.
“I believe that the Taiwanese people still remember vividly the cross-strait crisis in 1996. I hope that our compatriots understand that the threat from China still exists. As a result, the defense ministry has been actively building an anti-ballistic missile system in recent years,” said Lo.
Lo said China’s military threat will only promote ill feelings towards China in Taiwan.