The boat is armed through 6 x 21" torpedo tubes and carries up to 28 reloads. A 2005 announcement called for plans to upgrade the boat class with UGM-84 "Harpoon" anti-ship missile functionality, broadening their tactical capabilities against surface ships and modernizing the armament suite some. Some 32 missiles were then purchased by the country from the United States based on a 2008 announcement.
Of course the sale of the two original Hai Lung-class boats to Taiwan drew the ire of China and led to a successive order of two additional boats being blocked by the Dutch government under pressure. the Hai Lung-class has limited value in the seas today, outclassed by newer generation submarines and, in particular, out-muscled by the newer-generation nuclear-powered types being fielded (and further developed) by the Chinese Navy. As such, the island nation would still rely on foreign support from the United States Navy should Total War come to Taiwan.
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