Taiwanโs first Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS), Hai Kun (SS-711), successfully completed its maiden sea trial on June 17, according to the vesselโs builder, CSBC Corporation.
Taiwanโs first Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS), Hai Kunโalso known as Narwhalโwas observed operating under its own power in the Port of Kaohsiung last week. On June 17th, the submarine was spotted departing from the CSBC shipyard, passing near Cijin Island (ๆๆดฅ). More than ten military personnel or technicians were seen standing on the deck, with additional crew visible atop the sail.
An anonymous military source told Taiwanโs state-run news agency CNA that the Navy will deploy a range of assets to secure the area during the Hai Kun submarineโs sea trials. These assets include assault boats, missile boats, frigates, and aircraft to ensure the safety and confidentiality of the testing operations.
According to the builder, CSBC Corporation, Hai Kun underwent a series of tests on June 17, including propulsion, steering, electrical systems, ventilation, communication, and navigation. CSBC stated that the sea trials will be conducted in three phases: surface navigation, shallow-depth testing, and progressive deep-diving tests. System adjustments will be made after each stage based on the evaluation results before proceeding to the next phase.
In response to online speculation regarding a possible hull deformation observed during the initial trials, CSBC issued a statement clarifying that the protrusion on the port side of Hai Kunโs bow is not a structural flaw, but rather the housing for the submarineโs passive ranging sonar system. The company urged the public to support and take pride in the progress of Taiwanโs Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program.
Despite the progress, the budget for the follow-on IDS submarines remains partially frozenโapproximately 50%โdue to opposition parties with pro-China leanings. The release of the funds is contingent on Hai Kun successfully completing its Sea Acceptance Test and a special report being submitted to the legislature for approval.
Although the sea trials commenced later than initially scheduled, Navy Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Chiu Chun-jung (้ฑไฟๆฆฎ) told CNA that the delivery timeline remains unchanged, with the submarine still slated to be handed over to the Navy in November as per the original contract.
Current Submarine Force of Taiwan
The Indigenous Defense Submarine wasย unveiled in September 2023ย andย launched in February 2024. Aside from the advanced but yet-to-be-deliveredย Hai Kun, Taiwanโs navy (ROC Navy) currently operates four submarines:
The older two of the four submarines are ROCS Hai Shih (Sea Lion), SS-791 and ROCS Hai Pao (Seal), SS-792. These two World War II vintage submarines were transferred from the U.S. in the 1970s. Both underwent Greater Underwater Propulsion Power Program (GUPPY) conversions and are unofficially referred to as Guppy class in Taiwan. They are still operational and said to be capable of combat. ROCS Hai Lung (Sea Dragon), SS-793 and ROCS Hai Hu (Sea Tiger), SS-794,areย relatively new and advanced Chien Lung-class (aka Hai Lung-class or Sea Dragon class). These two were purchased from the Netherlands in the 1980s, andย are equipped with AEG SUT 264 heavyweight torpedoes produced under license in Indonesia in the 1980s, Harpoon missiles purchased from the U.S. in 2008, and MK-48 torpedoes acquired from the U.S. in 2017
