Taiwan-built sub could reach navy next month

UPDATE: The submarine would need to undergo combined systems testing and crew training for navy personnel before it is ready for mission, an expert said

• By Hollie Younger / Staff writer, with CNA

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Taiwan’s first domestically built submarine, the Hai Kun (Narwhal, 海鯤), could be delivered to the navy as early as next month, military expert and Taiwan Association for Security and Development chairman Chi Tung-yun (紀東昀) said yesterday.

The submarine was yesterday morning observed departing for its 21st sea trial and its 15th submerged test.

The vessel missed the initial delivery deadline of November last year due to “testing delays,” its primary contractor, shipbuilder CSBC Corp, Taiwan, said in June.

Taiwan’s first indigenous submarine, the Hai Kun, undergoes a sea acceptance trial at Kaohsiung Harbor yesterday.

Photo: CNA

The contractor also cited “political pressure from China” in procuring critical equipment.

All testing operations are in the final stages, with the vessel likely to depart on a further round of sea trials this week, based on its prior testing schedule, Chi said.

The submarine has spent about a month in dry dock undergoing adjustments, as many of its systems and equipment are supplied from overseas and require optimization, often needing assistance from the original manufacturer, he said.

Military enthusiasts hold up supporting banners as they watch the Hai Kun submarine sail from Kaohsiung Harbor yesterday.

Photo: Lee Hui-chou, Taipei Times

Moreover, when equipment inside the vessel requires adjustment, the submarine has to return to dry dock, making the process more time-consuming, he said.

Provided the navy and CSBC Corp, Taiwan continue prioritizing safety, there is a high likelihood of delivery by next month, which would signal the next round of preparations, he said.

The vessel would still need to undergo combined systems testing and crew training for navy personnel before it is ready for mission, which would take an additional several months or even more than a year, he added.