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
-
![UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition]()
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition]()
Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition
Schiebel is pursuing opportunities in the UK and France while leveraging its integration with Naval Group’s FDI frigate programme to create new naval business across Europe.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance]()
Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance
Success with the US Army’s Black Widow programme may have strengthened Red Cat’s international position, but executives believe the next growth opportunity lies in uncrewed surface vessels.
