Predictions since 2016 of Japanese Assistance for Taiwan's Submarine Program

In Submarine Matter’s article of September 21, 2016 “Taiwan's Teardrop Style Future Submarine - Japanese Assistance?” I wrote:

“MIGHT JAPAN ASSIST?

A December 5, 2015 a DefenseNews article indicated: Taiwanese Admiral Yang (de facto Military Attache, Washington) “admitted that Taiwan was “in communication” with Japan for a possible deal for Soryu-class submarines.”

Taiwan and Japan both have geo-strategic concerns over the same "enemy" China. So Japan may be less susceptible to the Chinese pressure that has been stopping other countries from assisting Taiwan to build new submarines.

If Taiwan were to utilise a less sensitive, less expensive, established, teardrop design and Taiwan supplied the steel might Japan want to assist? In assisting with an older design (perhaps as an export model) Japan wouldn't be putting its more advanced Soryu submarine secrets at risk.”

Note that on April 13, 2018 Submarine Matters predicted that:

“Japanese contractors might also assist Taiwan. This is noting Japan (inspired by the US Barbel class) developed and used the Uzushio class teardrop style submarines.”

With the possibility raised on July 18, 2018 that:

“MHI and KHI”

might supply submarine designs to Taiwan.

So what? See the next Submarine Matters article of September 26, 2018.

Pete