An official with Taiwan’s navy has confirmed plans to build a new class of indigenous warship.
Rear Admiral Mei Chia-shu was answering questions on Monday at the legislature following reports that the navy was planning to build 12 new types of vessel. One of those types of vessel is a new class of warship equipped with the US-made Aegis combat system.
Mei confirmed the plan, but did not specify when it would begin.
“[The navy] along with the Taiwan Shipbuilding Association, will host a meeting for all bidders [for the construction project]. We will have more details about upcoming shipbuilding projects during the meeting. There are a total of 12 projects, which Commander Chen Yeong-kang had already announced back in 2014," said Mei.
When asked whether the defense ministry will actually begin the construction of Aegis-equipped warships next year, Mei said there is no plan at the moment, but the navy will gradually push for it.
Mei also said the navy plans to first build amphibious transport docks, minelayers, and more Tuo-Chiang class corvettes in 2017. The projected budget for the three types of vessel will be NT$60 billion (nearly US$1.9 billion). Mei said the total estimated budget for all 12 types of vessel will be NT$470 billion (about US$14.6 billion).