《TAIPEI TIMES 焦點》 Navy scheduled to release plans for new vessels

DEFENSE EXHIBITION: The Taiwan Shipbuilding Industry Association is to host the first edition of an international maritime and defense expo in Kaohsiung

By Lo Tien-pin / Staff reporter

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The navy is today to announce a series of shipbuilding projects, including the construction of six to eight new “main warships” equipped with the Aegis Combat System （ACS） to replace Kidd-class destroyers.

Taiwan’s version of ACS-equipped naval vessels would displace between 6,000 tonnes and 8,000 tonnes based on previously planned ACS-equipped ships.

In related news, the first Kaohsiung International Maritime and National Defense exhibition is to be held from Sept. 14 to Sept. 17 at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, with support from the Ministry of National Defense.

The Taiwan Shipbuilding Industry Association, the organizer of the exhibition, is to hold a promotional event in Taipei today for the event, at which representatives from the navy are to explain 12 shipbuilding projects, including amphibious transport docks, a troop transport ship, a submarine, a missile frigate and maritime equipment.

Association president Han Pi-hsiang （韓碧祥） said he was pleased about President Tsai Ing-wen’s （蔡英文） initiative to build ships locally, which could result in annual production totaling NT$70 billion （US$2.16 billion）.

He said the exhibition is aimed at creating a platform for companies with the best equipment and techniques to engage in exchanges and collaborations, while also helping potential buyers find what they need.

The association said that the event would not only cover national defense, but also machinery, maritime engineering, communications equipment and “green” energy.

The association said it has arranged for the navy to have several warships dock in Kaohsiung and accept visitors for the event.

新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES