Can Taiwan Purchase Submarines?

International media has reported that the U.S. might restart arms sales to the Taiwanese military. Although the report is encouraging for the military, the weapons mentioned are dubious. The report claimed that the U.S. is going to provide submarines to Taiwan; however, America does not currently have the capability to make diesel-electric submarines.

At present, U.S. submarines are completely nuclear-powered. Moreover, the U.S. has not manufactured any new submarines in decades. The source of the arms deal is restricted to the United States, regardless of whether the submarines are made by the U.S. or by another authorized country. The only feasible design available in America is the mackerel-level design from the 1950s, which encompasses several problems. Many of the parts on these submarines are outdated and must be greatly modified. The positive aspect of this is that the submarines can be made in accordance with Taiwan's special requests; the shortcoming is that this alteration equates to almost a complete redesign. With the limited number that our country can afford, not to mention the sky-high price, this is a big gamble that will not pay off until ten or fifteen years down the road.

The other two options are even worse. The ability to acquire Spain’s S-80, given the present international climate, seems hopeless. Purchasing Germany's 214 submarine seemed at first similarly grim, but recently a U.S. website claimed that Greece, who ordered submarines from Germany, has now expressed a reluctance to buy them. In addition, due to budget problems, Germany's navy is unlikely to use these four submarines. There have been rumors that Taiwan could purchase these submarines; there have even been claims reporting that we have dispatched officials to consult with Germany.

However, the situation might not be so optimistic. Although Germany's 214 submarines are more powerful, in terms of attacking power, than the kilo-level submarines made by Russia, Greece’s navy refused to accept them because they have several flaws. We don’t know whether the Greeks are apprehensive about the subs’ noise levels or intense shuddering when they emerge out of water, but they are apprehensive about something. Yet, there is also talk of inadequate funds being the real reason that Greece’s navy did not accept these submarines. Fortunately, Taiwan is unlikely to ignore major flaws that might appear in these submarines.

According to reports, the United States is mentioning all of this again because of the diesel-electrical manufacturers lobby. Due to pressure from lobbyists, the U.S. government will not be happy to see Taiwan purchase submarines from other countries.

Therefore, whether the purchase of submarines is approved, if Taiwan has the ability to buy them and when the army will be confidently established might all be matters that take many years.