Taiwan's first self-built diesel-electric submarine, SS-711 Hai Kun, has successfully passed the first stage of sea trials. On Tuesday, June 24, Naval Today reported with reference to the press service of the CSBC Corporation shipyard responsible for the construction of the submarine.
The publication recalls that last week the Hai Kun was spotted in the port of Kaohsiung: the submarine was moving independently, without the help of tugs. And on June 17, the submarine left the CSBC shipyard, passing by Qijin Island. There were more than ten military personnel or technicians on the deck, and an additional crew at the top of the superstructure, Naval News notes.
Diesel engine "Hai Kun", Taiwan
CSBC
The Hai Kun Submarine, Taiwan
CSBC
An anonymous military source told Taiwan's state-run CNA news agency that the Navy of the unrecognized island nation has deployed boats, frigates and aircraft to ensure the safety and confidentiality of tests of the newest submarine.
According to CSBC, during the first stage of sea trials, the shipbuilders and crew checked the operation of the propulsion, steering, as well as electrical, air, communication and navigation systems of the submarine.
According to representatives of the shipyard, the sea trials are divided into three stages: movement on the surface, shallow diving and deep diving. Before proceeding to each next stage, improvements will be made based on the results of the completed stage.
Commenting on reports on the possible deformation of the hull, noticed during tests of the submarine in the port, CSBC representatives said that the protrusion in the bow on the port side is not a structural defect, but hides the passive location system of the submarine.
The Hai Kun submarine was laid down in September 2021 and launched in February 2024. The construction of the second submarine has already started, and in general, Taiwan's fleet modernization program involves the supply of eight such submarines.
Despite progress in the implementation of the program, the budget for the purchase of the next Hai Kun–class submarines remains partially frozen – by about 50% - due to opposition parties with a pro-Chinese orientation. The defrosting of funds depends on the successful completion of the acceptance tests of the lead submarine and the submission of a special report to the legislature for approval.
Although the Hai Kun sea trials began later than originally planned, Vice Admiral Chiu Chun-jun, Chief of Staff of the Taiwan Navy, told CNA that the delivery time remains unchanged: the submarine is still scheduled to be handed over to the fleet in November this year, as stipulated in the original contract.
According to published data, the displacement of the Hai Kun diesel-electric submarine is about 2,500 tons. The claimed diving depth reaches 350 meters, which significantly exceeds the capabilities of the High Moon class submarines used today (acquired from the Netherlands in 1987-1988).
The submarine will be armed with American Mk48 heavy 533mm torpedoes, Mod6 Advanced Technology, capable of hitting both underwater targets and large surface ships. Future production submarines are also going to be equipped with the UGM-84L Harpoon anti-ship missile system.
