Late on 27 February 2025, Taiwan launched its first home-built submarine, the Hai Kun, into the water. Workers at CSBC Corporation’s Kaohsiung shipyard flooded the dry dock, allowing the submarine to float for the first time.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence confirmed the launch, calling it a key milestone in the submarine’s development. The Hai Kun is on track to begin sea acceptance trials in April 2025, as previously planned. These upcoming trials mark an important step towards strengthening Taiwan’s naval defences against growing regional threats.
Advancing Self-Reliant Defence Capabilities
Historically dependent on ageing foreign submarines, Taiwan’s development of the Hai Kun marks a substantial move towards self-reliance in defence. Admiral Mei Chia-shu, Chief of Staff of the Taiwanese Navy, emphasised the submarine’s importance, saying:
“The Hai Kun will enhance our underwater combat capabilities and ensure our fleet’s readiness by the end of next year.” President Lai Ching-te also highlighted this achievement as a national success, asserting, “This submarine is proof of our determination to protect our sovereignty.”
Diverse Perspectives on Strategic Value
While people celebrate the Hai Kun’s development, opinions on its strategic value vary. Alexander Huang of the opposition Kuomintang party cautioned, “We must weigh its cost against other priorities before committing fully.” This reflects ongoing discussions about the submarine’s role in Taiwan’s broad defence strategy.
Origins and Development of the Indigenous Defense Submarine Programme
Initiated in 2016 under then-President Tsai Ing-wen, the Indigenous Defence Submarines (IDS) programme aimed to construct a fleet of eight submarines by 2038 with an investment of $8.88 billion.
Challenges such as delays in acquiring foreign components and expertise led to a revised plan focusing on batches of three, two, and three hulls following the prototype’s completion. The recent flooding of the dock and successful power system tests indicate progress towards the upcoming sea trials.
Strategic Importance Amid Regional Tensions
The Hai Kun’s emergence coincides with a critical period, as China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy rapidly expands, projecting a fleet of 80 submarines by 2035. Frequent Chinese military activities near Taiwan have intensified the need for robust defensive measures.
Defence Minister Wellington Koo emphasised: “A modern submarine force is essential to breaking any blockade and maintaining our lifeline to the Pacific.” Recent incidents, such as the severing of undersea cables near Keelung, have further underscored the necessity for enhanced maritime security, as they are suspected to be Chinese grey-zone tactics.
Technical Specifications of the Hai Kun Submarine
The Hai Kun submarine is built for Taiwan’s unique operational environment. It stretches about 80 metres in length. Its displacement ranges between 2,500 and 3,000 tonnes, making it a mid-sized but capable underwater vessel.
The hull uses high-strength HSLA-80 CRHS56 steel, giving it durability and resilience for extended missions. It follows a teardrop-shaped design, improving its stealth and manoeuvrability in the shallow waters of the Taiwan Strait.
The submarine runs on a diesel-electric propulsion system, balancing efficiency with reliable underwater performance. Taiwan built the batteries locally, showing its growing self-reliance in advanced military technology.
Two MTU 12V 4000 diesel engines support the system, ensuring consistent power generation at sea. It can reach submerged speeds of up to 20 knots, giving it strong tactical mobility. With its efficient design, the vessel achieves a range of over 2,000 nautical miles. Such versatility makes the Hai Kun a vital tool for Taiwan’s defence and deterrence strategies.
Armament and Advanced Systems
The Hai Kun is equipped with six 533 mm torpedo tubes capable of launching U.S.-supplied MK-48 Mod 6 heavyweight torpedoes, effective against both surface ships and submarines. Additionally, it is expected to deploy anti-ship missiles like the Harpoon Block II, extending its offensive reach.
An advanced sonar suite, reportedly based on the U.S. AN/BQQ-10 system, enhances threat detection and tracking capabilities. The combat management system, a customised version of Lockheed Martin’s technology, integrates these components, providing the crew with a comprehensive tactical overview.
Future-Proofing Through Modular Design
The submarine’s modular design allows for future enhancements, such as the integration of vertical launch systems for cruise missiles or unmanned underwater vehicles. This adaptability ensures the Hai Kun remains capable of countering evolving threats, including advancements in hypersonic weapons and satellite surveillance.
While specific configurations remain classified, this approach reflects Taiwan’s commitment to maintaining a versatile and modern submarine force.
Geopolitical Context and Future Outlook
The Hai Kun’s development occurs amidst heightened regional tensions, exemplified by recent Chinese military exercises near Taiwan. Premier Cho Jungtai suggests that these actions aim to overshadow Taiwan’s defence advancements.
The return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency in January 2025 has introduced uncertainties regarding Taiwan’s defence support, particularly following a parliamentary freeze on defence spending, including submarine funding. Defence Minister Koo expressed concern that this could send “the wrong signal to the United States” and potentially embolden China.
As Hai Kun approaches its sea trials, it embodies Taiwan’s resolve to enhance its defence capabilities amid complex geopolitical dynamics. Its success could significantly influence the strategic balance in the Taiwan Strait, serving as a deterrent against aggression and a testament to Taiwan’s commitment to sovereignty and self-reliance.
References
- Republic of China Navy – Wikipedia
🔗 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_China_Navy - ROCS Hai Kun – French Wikipedia
🔗 https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/ROCS_Hai_Kun - Reuters – Taiwan tells China WWII shows aggression fails
🔗 https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taiwan-tells-china-world-war-two-shows-aggression-will-end-failure-
