Taiwan Launches Its First Indigenous Submarine, “Haikun”

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Taiwan has launched its first domestically-made submarine today in a historic moment, as it grapples with Beijing’s actions to incorporate the island into China’s territory.

President Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen launched the submarine, named “Haikun,” at the Kaohsiung port in southern Taiwan.

“Haikun” means “giant fish” in Chinese.

This Taiwanese indigenous submarine will undergo sea trials before being commissioned into the island’s navy next year.

A second indigenous Taiwanese submarine is expected to be launched in 2027.

 

“In the past, building our own submarines was considered impossible, but today a submarine has been designed and built by the people of Taiwan,” said the President of Taiwan at the submarine’s launch ceremony.

The first Taiwanese indigenous submarine was constructed at a cost of $1.54 billion (RM6.93 billion), but for the island government, it is seen as a worthwhile investment to defend the island from any invasion.

 While it is a indigenous submarine, “Haikun” utilizes a combat system developed by Lockheed Martin from the United States, as well as torpedoes manufactured in the same country.

Reportedly, seven countries have assisted Taiwan in designing and building its first self-made submarine.

 The construction of the submarine began in 2020 and faced various challenges, but ultimately, the island succeeded in completing “Haikun” through cooperation between its domestic entities and friendly nations.

 

In total, Taiwan aims to build eight diesel-electric submarines to replace two Dutch-built submarines and one World War II-era U.S. submarine that it currently uses for training purposes.

These Taiwanese indigenous submarines have a primary objective of deterring China’s military from encircling the island and preventing China’s maritime assets from sailing across the “First Island Chain.”

If China successfully encircles Taiwan, the Bashi Channel and Balintang Channel would become the primary routes for its aircraft carriers and warships to reach the Philippine Sea and further into the Pacific Ocean, avoiding anti-access/area denial operations by the U.S. military. — DSA

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