Taiwan’s navy has confirmed the purchase of ten US-made anti-submarine helicopters. The order is expected to expand the navy’s anti-submarine capabilities.
Deputy Defense Minister Chen Yung-kang explained the need for the MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to the legislature’s defense committee on Thursday.
"Our old 500MD model is quite obsolete. The new helicopters will need to work well on the new helipads of the Perry-class frigates, as well as provide enhanced anti-submarine capabilities," Chen said.
Meanwhile, Navy Chief of Staff Hsiao Wei-min also said Thursday that the Seahawk helicopters’ updated firepower will better fit the Navy’s current needs.
"Our old models had no capability for anti-surface or anti-ship warfare, nor were they equipped with machine guns, guided rockets, Hellfire missiles or high payload torpedoes," Hsiao said. "Essentially, they are the same helicopters currently used by the US military. Our goal is to purchase ten of them."