Military expert defends Taiwan's Hai Kun submarine after weather-related trial postponement

Military expert Chi Tung-yun has defended the ongoing sea trials of Taiwan's indigenous Hai Kun submarine, pushing back against online criticism that the vessel is hampered by weather conditions. The submarine's fifteenth sea trial was postponed on June 1 due to unfavorable weather, drawing sarcastic comments online about its readiness for combat.

Chi explained that the Hai Kun is still undergoing testing and is not yet a fully operational warship. He emphasized that minimizing environmental variables during testing is essential for obtaining precise data. The decision to postpone the trial was a safety-first measure, he stated, and should not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness or a delay in the delivery schedule.

He further countered the notion that "bad weather means no fighting," arguing that weather is a primary consideration for naval and air force operations even in actual combat. Chi drew a parallel to the Normandy landings during World War II, which were timed to exploit a narrow window between weather systems.

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The submarine is still in its testing phase and is not yet a fully operational warship. Testing in stable conditions is crucial for accurate data collection.

The submarine's testing involves coordination with other naval and coast guard vessels for security. Unforeseen elements like floating debris and shipping containers, exacerbated by adverse weather, pose additional risks during trials. Chi believes that once the final tests, including navigation and deep diving, are successfully completed, the submarine could be delivered between July and September.

Preparations are underway for further tests, potentially including overnight navigation trials to assess power consumption and equipment performance over extended periods at various depths. Chi anticipates that these tests will be scheduled within the week, allowing the crew to familiarize themselves with procedures and equipment following a recent extensive calibration period.

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Even in actual combat, weather is a primary consideration for air and naval force operations.