Taiwan has signalled its plans to cancel a deal with the United States to buy advanced new anti-submarine warfare helicopters because they are too expensive.
The island nation was in line to buy 12 MH-60R anti-submarine helicopters, made by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Corp unit. However, Chiu Kuo-cheng, Taiwan’s defence minister, told parliament “the price is too high, beyond the scope of our country’s ability”.
Taiwan had originally allocated NT$34 billion ($1.15 billion) to replace its ageing anti-submarine helicopters.
The price of 12 MH-60Rs varies. Lockheed Martin secured a $447.2 million contract for the production of 12 for the Republic of Korea Navy last year. However, the Royal Australian Navy purchased 12 for an estimated $985 million the same year.
Some local media outlets have
