China is having big problems maintaining its Russian-built and supplied Kilo-class submarines, although it is planning to buy even more, defense sources said yesterday.
The Chinese navy has four Kilo-class submarines, which are the most advanced submarines in its fleet and the only ones it has obtained from abroad.
The sources said two of the submarines had been taken out of service over two years ago, after developing serious battery problems. They speculated that they had been taken to Russia for repair.
The four submarines are of an older type of Kilo, the first of which was delivered in 1995. The Chinese navy is reportedly planning to buy more of the vessels, perhaps as many as eight, according to Jane's Defence Weekly.
The Canada-based Kanwa Information Center, a defense-oriented news Web site, was the first to reveal in late 2000 that China planned to send the two Kilos back to Russia for repair.
Over the past 18 months, Taiwan's intelligence authorities have been closely monitoring the movements of the two Kilos.
Although intelligence authorities could uncover no direct evidence, they do know that the submarines had left their base in China.
The fate of the Kilos indicates that the Chinese military has yet to develop the ability to operate advanced weapons systems purchased from abroad, the sources said.
However, a Taiwanese defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Taiwan was also having difficulties.
"We have similar problems here in Taiwan. Just think of the many problems we have experienced while bringing into service new weapons systems bought from abroad over recent years," the official said.
"New problems will arise in the future, as the eight diesel-powered submarines that the US has promised to sell to Taiwan are delivered. It will be the first time that the navy has owned so many submarines at the same time," he said.
"If the navy can't make itself ready for the operation of so many submarines before delivery, it will be Taiwan's turn to become a laughing stock [in the eyes of] China," he said.
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