The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense (MND) has revealed its strategy to keep the country’s aging submarine fleet operational. 

The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense (MND) has revealed its strategy to keep the country’s aging submarine fleet operational.
The MND has announced that it has reached an agreement with the Dutch firm RH Marine to modernize two Hai Lung-class submarines. RH Marine, which supplies various maritime automated and electronic technology will now carry out a feasibility study on the project.
They will look to address a number of issues with the vessels including cramped interiors and systems integration. They will also seek to modernize the submarine’s combat capabilities.
It is reported that the MND hopes to upgrade their electronic warfare and combat systems as well as equip them with US-made long-range torpedoes. The Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology is thought likely to carry out this part of the project.
The Hai Lung class are more than 30 years old already and badly in need of modernization. They were originally designed to have a lifespan of 35 years.