Submarine Program Accused of Discarding Personnel, Minister Gu Lixiong: Potential Suppliers Identified

Taipei, April 14 (CNA) Korean media reported that Taiwan's indigenous submarine program (IDS) hired foreign engineers on short-term contracts and terminated them once their utility expired. Defense Minister Gu Lixiong stated today that the submarine program is on track, and potential suppliers for subsequent vessels have been identified. Specific details remain confidential. He hopes the prototype submarine will be delivered soon. China Times reported that 'Korea Economic Daily' revealed several Korean technicians who participated in Taiwan's IDS program said the development process heavily relied on foreign technology, but foreign engineers were only hired on short-term contracts. One criticized Taiwan's approach as 'island version of China,' discarding engineers once they were no longer deemed useful. During a legislative session, Gu Lixiong reiterated that the IDS program is on track. Funding for the first vessel depends on passing sea trials. Potential suppliers for subsequent vessels are identified, but details are confidential. He hopes the prototype will be delivered soon. Additionally, Deputy Minister of the Interior Ma Shiyuan told Bloomberg that the government will soon hold its first joint exercise with other ministries to ensure the escort of natural gas and oil vessels to secure critical supplies during a simulated Chinese naval blockade. Gu Lixiong said such scenarios are within the scope of past planning, and coordination with ministries will occur, but exercise details cannot be disclosed. He emphasized that the military's primary mission is the defense of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu will chair cross-party negotiations on April 15 to discuss the 2026 central government general budget and the National Defense Special Act draft. Gu Lixiong hopes for rational discussion and support for the Executive Yuan's version.