The officers are expected to brief the navy on the progress of the deal before their departure on Thursday, the state-funded Central News Agency said.

The group was led by Gibson Le Boeuf, the deputy US Navy programme executive officer for submarines, it said.

The navy declined to comment on the report.

The United Daily News said Le Boeuf may bring with him several design options, and cited military sources as saying that Washington hope that the multi-billion-dollar deal could be sealed in February,

Bush approved the submarine sale in April 2001 as part of Washington's most comprehensive arms package to the island since 1992.

Since then, however, the program has progressed at a snail's pace as the United States has not built conventional submarines for more than 40 years.

Germany, the Netherlands and Spain have declined to offer their designs for fear of offending China, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting to be reunified by force if necessary.

But the United Daily News said if European governments may lift their ban on submarine export to Taiwan once Taipei gives its formal commitment to Washington.

Taiwan navy's submarine fleet consists of two 50-year-old Guppy-class diesel-electric boats, both in very poor condition, and two Dutch-built Hai-Lung-class boats commissioned in 1987/88.

China and Taiwan split in 1949 at the end of a civil war, but Beijing has repeatedly threatened to invade Taiwan if it declares independence.

WAR.WIRE