Taiwan Submarine: Hai Kun Prototype Passes Key Underwater Tests | SCMP

Taiwan’s First Homebuilt Submarine Completes Key Underwater Trials

Taiwan has achieved a significant milestone in its defense capabilities with the successful completion of initial underwater trials for its first domestically built submarine, the Hai Kun. The submarine, also known as Narwhal, underwent a series of shallow-water submerged tests over the past two weeks, marking a crucial step toward potential navy delivery as early as June, according to reports.

The Hai Kun is the centerpiece of Taiwan’s Indigenous Defence Submarine (IDS) program, a project considered vital for bolstering the island’s asymmetric naval capabilities in the face of increasing military pressure from Beijing. The program aims to eventually produce a fleet of eight submarines, modernizing the Republic of China Navy, which currently operates only two Dutch-built Hai Lung-class submarines and two WWII-era training vessels.

Surface navigation tests for the prototype began last year. Undersea trials and weapons testing were originally scheduled to be completed between September and October, paving the way for navy delivery in November. However, the initial timeline was not met, leading opposition lawmakers to freeze NT$1.8 billion (US$56 million) in funding earmarked for follow-on submarines. This funding is part of a larger NT$284 billion program dedicated to building the additional seven subs.

The lawmakers stipulated that the frozen budget would remain inaccessible until the prototype successfully completed its sea trials. Responding to mounting political pressure, CSBC Corp, Taiwan – the state-owned shipbuilding enterprise responsible for constructing the submarine – conducted the first submerged test on January 29th. Since then, three additional shallow-water submerged tests have been carried out.

On Sunday, CSBC released its first official video showcasing all four submerged tests. The footage, according to the company, documents the vessel’s initial dive, steering and control system tests, and the raising and lowering of the periscope and antenna masts. It provides a rare glimpse into the progress of the submarine’s sea acceptance test phase.

The Hai Kun is expected to be equipped with a Lockheed Martin combat system and U.S.-made Mark 48 torpedoes. The successful completion of these initial trials signals a significant advancement in Taiwan’s ability to independently produce a strategically important weapons platform. If the program continues to succeed, Taiwan aims to establish a modern undersea fleet comparable to those of its neighbors, Japan and South Korea.

The maiden underwater sea trial took place off Kaohsiung, in southern Taiwan, on January 30th. CSBC Corp. Announced that the submarine successfully completed a shallow-water submerged navigation test. The company also released images showing the submarine leaving port, diving in the test area, launching decoys, resurfacing, and returning to harbor, demonstrating initial positive results from the sea trials.

Further trials and system tests are ongoing under the supervision of the Taiwanese Navy. The program has faced delays and external pressure, but the recent progress suggests Taiwan is moving closer to achieving its goal of a self-sufficient submarine production capability.