The NT$647 billion (US$20.24 billion) budget was submitted to the Legislative Yuan (parliament) to be reviewed by the lawmakers in the new legislative session beginning in September.
Below is an overview of the naval programs:
UAVs for land surveillance and reconnaissance
The ROC Navy seeks NT$2.414 billion to purchase 96 UAVs for land based SSM targeting from FY 2024-2028. NT$300 million were requested for purchasing 12UAVs in the FY 2025 budget.
Long range submarine-launched torpedoes
NT$5.4 billion were requested to purchase 24 long range submarine-launched torpedoes and 4 training torpedoes from FY 2018-2030. The purchasing of the torpedoes aimed to
bring more flexibility for submarine operations with their high speed. The new torpedoes will mix and match with currently equipped torpedoes and will make submarine tactics more flexible. The Taiwanese navy seeks NT$38.4 million in the FY 2025 budget for the torpedoes.
Shipborne UAVs for surveillance and reconnaissance
The ROC Navy seeks NT$ 424.67 million to purchase 16 Shipborne UAVs from FY 2024-2025. The UAVs will be operated from amphibious transport dock(LPD) to conduct reconnaissance, searching beaches, harbors for amphibious operations. NT$ 318.5 million were requested for purchasing 12 UAVs in the FY 2025 budget.
Combat systems MLU for Chien Lung-class submarines
NT$ 7.4 billion were requested for Chien Lung-class submarine combat systems MLU, from FY 2018-2027 in order to provide early warning information, improving self protection, electronic reconnaissance and search capabilities of the submarines. The Taiwanese navy seeks NT$360.3 million to upgrade the submarines in the FY 2025 budget.
High altitude UAVs (MQ-9B)
Taiwan’s air force asked for NT$ 21.7 billion to be allocated for purchasing 4UAVs from FY 2022-2029. The UAVs will be deployed for surveillance, reconnaissance and strike missions.
NT$ 10.4 billion were requested for the program in the FY2025 budget.
Second phase of indigenous defense submarine project
NT$49.36 billion were requested for second phase of Indigenous Defense Submarine(IDS) project to build 1 submarine from FY 2019-2029. The ROC Navy seeks NT$ 585 million for the program in the FY 2025 budget.
Second phase of new generation light frigate project
Taiwan’s navy seeks NT$ 24.54 billion to build 2 light frigates from FY 2019-2026. The frigates will be deployed to patrol Taiwan strait, conducting ISR, remote island supply escort missions, and securing SLOC, support training and exercises. NT$ 8.9 billion were requested for the frigate program in the FY2025 budget.
Combat systems MLU for Kang Ding-class frigates
NT$ 43.16 billion were requested for upgrading Kang Ding-class frigates from FY 2021-2029. Radar and SAMs of the frigates will be upgraded in order to enhance AAW, ASW capabilities and conduct sea control missions. Taiwan’s navy seeks NT$ 7.28 billion to upgrade the frigates in the FY 2025 budget.
Harpoon coastal defense cruise missile system
The ROC Navy seeks NT$ 86.6 billion to purchase 100 sets of the Harpoon coastal defense cruise missile system from FY 2021-2030, in order to establish mobile anti-ship missile batteries to strengthen sea control capability. NT$ 24.96 billion were requested for the program in the FY2025 budget.
Third phase of indigenous defense submarine
The Taiwanese navy seeks NT$ 284 billion for building 7 indigenous defense submarines from 2025-2038, the submarines will be built in a 2-3-2 sequence. NT$ 2 billion was asked to be allocated for building the submarine program in the FY2025 budget.
However, an independent but pro-China annexation opposition MP proposed sending the central government budget bills for the fiscal year of 2025 back to the Procedure Committee, because it does not fit her pork barrel needs . Both China annexation opposition parties Chinese Nationalist Party(CNP, aka Kuomintang or KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party backed proposals to send budget bills back.
A CNP MP has also threatened to suspend the budget for submarines even though the budget proposal is not reviewed by the legislators yet. Currently, it is unclear whether the defense ministry can secure the budget or not.