Daily Archives: December 21, 2012

Submarines recommended as way for Taiwan to better deter China

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Scott Bates – President of the Washington-based Centre for National Policy (CNP)

Washington D.C., Dec. 20 (CNA) The head of an American think tank suggested Thursday that Taiwan should purchase submarines to strengthen its naval deployment amid the growing military imbalance between Taiwan and China

Taiwan can put pressure on the Chinese armed forces with a stronger naval defense that includes submarines, argued Scott Bates, president of the Washington-based Center for National Policy (CNP), at a panel discussion in which he and two other U.S. scholars shared their observations from a trip to Taiwan in early December.

“It seems this (submarine) is a perfect naval asset for the defense of Taiwan in the protection of freedom and navigation in the Straits, in the South China and in the East China seas. And the current array of submarine forces that Taiwan has is not up to achieving those missions,” Bates said.

Although Taiwan’s policies do not include attacking Chinese civilians, its Air Force and Navy are not currently strong enough to deter China’s People’s Liberation Army, Bates said.

Taiwan’s people may currently be unwilling to spend too much on national defense, which can cost a lot, but Taiwan still has to recognize the military imbalance across the Taiwan Strait, Bates warned.

One of the ways the country’s military wants to address the imbalance is by buying advanced F-16 C/D fighter jets from the United States to bolster its arsenal, but Washington has yet to agree to the sale.

Bates suggested, however, that Taiwan consider other air assets than the more expensive F-16 C/D aircraft.

“I would suggest the Taiwanese consider the development of drone assets as well for the air. I think there are a lot of air assets that they can think about that are not as expensive and so that each year you’re not set up for the idea that if you get this one magic system all will be well,” Bates said.

“I think that other options need to be developed. (That) doesn’t mean you give up on getting those other assets but you look at some new ones as well.”

Taiwan’s Air Force can hardly be compared with that of China, Bates said, but it could put pressure on the Chinese armed forces with a stronger naval defense.

Bates also suggested that the U.S. government provide military training and defensive arms to Taiwan.

Source – Focus Taiwan

 

Xmas message – “Keep the bubble” Dolphin 36

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"Capt Sir OOW contact report - Right ahead at 5,000 yards I have Santa" Yeahhh!!

“Capt Sir OOW contact report – Right ahead at 5,000 yards I have Santa” Yeahhh!!

For most, this day represents the last working day before Christmas, not that there’ll be as much work done as usual I suspect! Many of us will be looking to secure our work stations, hide what we should have done in the lead up to Xmas and make the relevant cast iron excuses.  We’ll finish mid way through the afternoon (if not before) and make haste back to our loved ones.

It’s seems that the country’s media is asking us to spare a thought for the Armed Forces and the sterling job they at Christmas; I would echo and indeed endorse this sentiment but in this instance would look within at our own brothers (And in some countries – “sisters”).

Being an ex-Submariner of 20+ years I remember the happy and the not so happy times at this festive time of year. Below are a few examples that might strike a chord with you Past, Present or Future:

  • Most of the boats back for Xmas stand off. The Imps, the G&D, the RNA brimming with submarine crews readying themselves to go on leave.
  • Sitting on an upturned milk crate or an Elephant’s Tam**x, on trot, on Christmas Day, in Faslane at Two O’clock in the afternoon, with 2 hours to go wondering if being a submariner was indeed the best decision you ever made.
  • Relaxing in the sunshine, in a bar, half-way across the world reading about how wet and windy it is in Plymouth with no sign of a let up.
  • Climbing into your rack on Christmas eve night with only your thoughts of home for company. The rush air from the punkah louvre streaming uncomfortably across your chest and the constant whirrr of the on-board ventilation. With Christmas day only hours away you’re not even “round the buoy” on that 12 week patrol.
  • The excitement of returning to port in time for Christmas having been away for 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months. Tossing and turning, pacing about, willing the clock to run faster and finally “Fall out of Harbour Stns below. D’ya hear there – Leave, leave to those not required by…………..”
  • Being standby Submarine and getting called in on Christmas eve to put to sea to track, chase a submarine of “interest”.

Some personal memories, not all my own but I hope it jogs some of yours. Spare a thought this Christmas for those brothers we know, those we have known (God rest their souls) and those we are yet to know.

Be good, be kind, stay safe!

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you all.

Kind regards

Jason Lockley (Blog author)

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