2023/02/06
The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release to clarify media reports that "The Ministry has planned a package for a special budget"
Press release of the Ministry of National Defense
Time: February 6, 2023 at 10:00
In response to media reports that the Ministry of National Defense (MND) has planned a package for a special budget to support three projects ("expansion of ships to 2-8 submarines", "mass production of commercial drones for military use" and "advanced version of the indigenous Aegis frigate"), the MND has clarified as follows:
1. The expansion of ships to 2-8 submarines construction project is on pause until the prototype ship has undergone combat evaluation. As such, mass production has yet been determined, hence the budget for the project is still pending.
2. The mass production of commercial drones for military use by the Armed Forces was included in the annual official budget for implementation when the decision was taken to commence the project, thus there was never any further consideration of preparation for a special budget.
3. There has been so such construction project as "advanced version of an indigenous Aegis frigate" to date. As for the "Shock Sea Plan” -- a new generation of missile frigates, it was furnished upon the comprehensive consideration of the enemy threat, project construction regulations, and national defense budget. The project has been in motion after careful evaluation and alignment with defensive operation need.
The MND stated that the administration of national defense is implemented in accordance with the law, and enforced with comprehensive procedures. As such, the MND would like to encourage our nationals to be mindful of one-sided information and speculative financial planning to avoid affecting the facilitation of works for arms build-up and war preparation.