TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) reiterated on Wednesday (Jan. 15) its unwavering stance on the Indigenous Defense Submarine (潛艦國造) program budget for the current year. The ministry aims to expedite maritime defense capabilities by securing full budget approval.
A day earlier, Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) caucus leader Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁) announced a freeze of NT$1.8 billion for the submarine program, leaving only NT$200 million available for this year. Major General Hsin Yi-tsung (辛宜聰) of the Comptroller Bureau (主計局) emphasized the program's role in Taiwan's self-defense strategy and urged legislators to support the NT$2 billion budget as planned.
Hsin clarified that reports suggesting Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) agreed to the budget freeze were inaccurate. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Staff He Hung-hsuan (賀紘璿) of the Navy Headquarter (海軍司令部) confirmed that the Hai Kun-class submarine (海鯤艦) is successfully undergoing port testing. He stated that the budget for subsequent submarines would follow the ministry's guidance.
The Foreign and National Defense Committee of the Legislative Yuan initially approved the NT$2 billion budget on Dec. 19, with the condition that funds be allocated only after the Hai Kun-class submarine passes sea trials. Observers will closely watch how these developments impact Taiwan's defense strategy and legislative dynamics.