Taiwan's First Indigenous Submarine Hai Kun Nears Navy Delivery Next Month

Taiwan's inaugural domestically constructed submarine, the Hai Kun, may be transferred to the navy as soon as next month, military expert Chi Tung-yun announced. The vessel embarked on its 21st sea trial and 15th underwater test after previously missing a November delivery target due to testing setbacks and reported political pressure from China on critical component sourcing. Shipbuilder CSBC Corp noted that many onboard systems, sourced from overseas, need fine-tuning in dry dock and sometimes must return for manufacturer assistance.

With final testing phases underway and another sea-trial round planned this week, the sub is on track for handover provided safety remains paramount. Nonetheless, the navy must still conduct integrated systems checks and extensive crew training, a process that could extend for several months to over a year. This milestone underscores Taiwan's push for greater defence self-reliance.