US technology will support Taiwanese submarine aspirations
After nearly two decades of delay, the Republic of China Navy’s (ROCN) Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) programme is on track after the US State Department granted a marketing licence to Taiwan on 5 April. This decision allows two US defence contractors to be involved in the IDS programme.
The licence approves contractor ‘A’ to provide a combat system, and contractor ‘B’, which has a technical assistance agreement, to help integrate all onboard systems.
The IDS is part of the ROCN’s long-term indigenous shipbuilding programme, Project HaiChang, which began in November 2016. Until now, the US government has prohibited any
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Argentina’s submarine and frigate acquisitions resurface with $3.5bn funding plan]()
Argentina’s submarine and frigate acquisitions resurface with $3.5bn funding plan
Buenos Aires set out foreign loans worth $3.5 billion in its draft 2027 budget, opening a contest in which Naval Group and TKMS could lead the field.
-
![Industrial teams prepare roadmap for Indonesia aircraft carrier transformation]()
Industrial teams prepare roadmap for Indonesia aircraft carrier transformation
Fincantieri and PT PAL have agreed on a framework to modernise the former Giuseppe Garibaldi, with drones, communications and broader Italian–Indonesian industrial ties involved.
-
![Five years on: where could opportunities emerge next for AUKUS Pillar II?]()
Five years on: where could opportunities emerge next for AUKUS Pillar II?
Payload commonality, combat systems and electronic warfare are emerging as likely priorities as the trilateral partnership balances building submarines with sharing industrial ecosystems.
-
![Singapore expands maritime presence with future-ready Sentinel OPV]()
Singapore expands maritime presence with future-ready Sentinel OPV
Singapore is building space for uncrewed systems and future technologies into its new Sentinel-class OPVs, reflecting a wider move towards adaptable vessels capable of maintaining persistent maritime presence.
