The military's Logistics Command has signed a contract with the Singapore government for the purchase of technological know-how which will enable Taiwan to manufacture 40mm self-propelled air defense guns. The cost of the deal is put at NT$300 million.
If the budget for the deal is approved, it would be the first time the Logistics Command produced conventional weapons on the basis of know-how purchased from abroad.
In signing the contract in February, however, the Logistics Command may have run afoul of the legislature for not seeking its approval first.
If the legislature fails to approve the budget, the military will be forced to pay a penalty which is outlined in the deal.
Details on the penalty amount were unavailable yesterday.
The Logistics Command plans to offer the 40mm gun to the army and air force, which are scheduled to retire their current stocks of low-altitude air defense guns.
"The military plans to pursue the acquisition of know-how for the production of weapons along these lines to establish a self-reliant defense industry. In the future, if we buy weapons from abroad, we will ask for a technology transfer and local production of the weapon," the official said.
The Logistics Command, however, has a major headache on its hands in the legislature, where several opposition lawmakers oppose the deal, sources said.
One female KMT Defense Committee lawmaker, who requested anonymity, for instance, has vowed to vote "no" on the budget proposal.
The lawmaker bases her objections on what she considers the Logistics Command's failure to seek legislative approval before signing the contract on the deal.
The Logistics Command refused to comment on the matter, saying it is still trying to persuade lawmakers opposed to change their minds.
The function of the Logistics Command is to procure and maintain conventional weapons systems for the military.
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