Taiwan airs impressive shipbuilding ambitions
The Republic of China Navy (ROCN) Program Office recently announced in Taipei a major indigenous development programme spanning ten vessel types. It represents a desire for Taiwan to be less dependent on the US for naval requirements.
Indigenous production calls for spending of US$14.7 billion over a 23-year period out to 2040, including submarines, destroyers, guided missile frigates, landing platform docks (LPD), 2,500t multipurpose transports, additional catamaran-hulled Tuo Jiang-class corvettes, rescue vessel, ocean surveillance ship, minelayers and tugboats.
Interestingly, an ROCN press release a day earlier included a landing helicopter dock (LHD), but it disappeared at the official briefing
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028]()
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
![Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic]()
Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
-
![US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract]()
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.
