KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan: Taiwan’s journey toward achieving a significant breakthrough in shipbuilding and design reached a pivotal moment as President Tsai Ing-wen presided over the launch of the island’s first domestically made submarine for testing at a port in Kaohsiung.
President Tsai Ing-wen expressed her enthusiasm for this historic event, stating, In the past, a domestically made submarine was considered impossible, but today a submarine designed and built by our countrymen is in front of you. The development and launch of this submarine represent a concrete manifestation of Taiwan’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty.
The head of Taiwan’s CSBC Corporation, Cheng Wen-lon, emphasized the challenges encountered during the lengthy process, labelling it as “torturous.” Nevertheless, the completion of the submarine signifies a crucial milestone in Taiwan’s strategic approach of embracing asymmetric warfare. Although we have worked quietly over the past several years, it doesn’t mean the process was very smooth, stated Cheng Wen-lon during the launch ceremony held at CSBC’s shipyard.
Following years of rigorous construction and design efforts, the prototype submarine, named Hai Kun, or “Sea Kun,” will initiate a testing phase in the harbour before undergoing ocean trials. The name “Hai Kun” pays homage to a legendary fish mentioned in Chinese literature called Kun. The development of this submarine spanned seven years, highlighting the dedication and precision invested in the project.
The submarine will only be officially transferred to the military after successfully passing both harbour and ocean-faring tests. Taiwan’s ambitious plans for the future involve the construction of another submarine, contingent upon the success of this endeavour. The aim is to have both submarines deployed by 2027, as reported by the semi-official Central News Agency. This groundbreaking achievement solidifies Taiwan’s position on the global stage and reaffirms its commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities.
